The Northern Clay Center has announced the recipients of this year’s 2014 McKnight Artist Fellowships for Ceramic Artists, funded by the McKnight Foundation. Of the two fellows named to this prestigious honor is Kelly Connole, Carleton College Associate Professor of Art. The award, which includes $25,000 in unrestricted funds, is designed to strengthen and enhance Minnesota’s artistic community, as well as significantly advance the work of Minnesota ceramic artists whose work is of exceptional artistic merit, who have already proven their abilities, and are at a career stage that is beyond emerging.

Kelly Connole teaches ceramics and metalsmithing. A story teller by nature, Connole uses clay to examines relationships between humans, their environment, and other creatures. Her work has been exhibited nationally and has received numerous awards including a McKnight Residency and a Jerome Foundation Project Grant.

Connole joined the Carleton faculty in 2004. She is the receipient of a BFA from the University of Montana and an MFA from San Francisco State University. Connole resides in Northfield.

The Northern Clay Center’s mission is the advancement of the ceramic arts. Located in Minneapolis, ongoing programs include exhibitions of sculpture and pottery by regional, national and international artists; classes and workshops for children and adults; studio space and grants for artists; and a sales gallery representing many top ceramic artists from the region and elsewhere. More information at www.northernclaycenter.org.