Ceramics Research Center

History

In 1967, Director Emeritus Rudy Turk started to acquire – through donations and purchase – prominent works by American artists working in clay. During this era, the field was expanding rapidly with practitioners exploring new techniques and modes of expression.

In 2002, the collection was transferred to the newly-renovated Ceramics Research Center (CRC), located adjacent to the main building of the ASU Art Museum. The CRC is a national and international destination point for the hands-on study and enjoyment of ceramics, housing and displaying the extensive ceramic collection of more than 3,500 objects. The collection seeks to embrace representative works by artists or subject matter that reflects the social, cultural and historical activities of the world. The holdings demonstrate the full range of technique, aesthetic approaches and possibilities within the medium. Since 1998, the collection has grown significantly through acquisitions and the support of artists and collectors.