By Amanda Bradshaw Sharpe
University Relations

MURFREESBORO – Two Chowan University professors with different backgrounds have teamed up to create unique pottery in preparation for the North Carolina Watermelon Festival. All proceeds from pottery sales will be donated to benefit Chowan University Friends of Art.

Professor Rob Buller, Assistant Professor of Art and Director of Green Hall Art Gallery, has a background in art, specifically ceramics. He has a wealth of knowledge in the field, and teaches sculpture as well as five levels of ceramics at Chowan.

Dr. Mitch Henke, Associate Professor of Graphic Communications, however has a background in graphic communications and is fairly new to the art of pottery. Upon recently dabbling with the clay art he found he had a knack for it and has been engaged in pottery creation ever since.

The two professors have distinctive approaches and styles.

“We thought it would be good to offer a variety of pottery shapes and glazes to appeal to hopefully everyone,” stated Buller.

All of the work is hand-made on the potter’s wheel, then glazed and fired to 2165 degrees in the kiln. The high temperature combined with the glazes produces a wide variety of beautiful finishes, and creates wares that are microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe.

Buller and Henke have developed a line of watermelon themed coffee cups, tumblers, bowls and plates exclusively for the event. The duo will have a booth to display all of their available pieces at the Watermelon Festival, and look forward to share their passion for art with those in attendance. All proceeds will benefit Chowan University Friends of Art to purchase a new kiln for the ceramics area that is currently under renovation.