"My work explores the broader concepts of containment, holding, serving, and concealment.
Rooted in the pottery tradition, it naturally engages with these ideas. But my investigation goes further—delving into the emotional and psychological dimensions of containment and concealment. Or the tension between what is held and what escapes.my Vessel forms create a place to keep the things we hold dear, often as a power object in the room, reminding us that beauty and sensitivity will always deserve a seat at the table."Mark Derby EDUCATIONCalifornia State University, Long Beach, MFA 1989California State University, Long Beach, BFA 1984PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE2000, 1995-98 Tulane University, Newcomb College of Art, New Orleans, LA. Professor/Art.1998 Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA. Professor/Art.1992 - 94 The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA, Instructor.University City Arts League, Philadelphia PA, Instructor.1984-85 John Glick, Plum Tree Pottery, Studio Apprentice and Assistant.ARTIST IN RESIDENCE1993 Chester Springs Studio, Chester Springs, PA1992 The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA1991 Sitka Center For Art and Ecology, Otis, OregonGRANTS AND AWARDS1998 Louisiana Division of The Arts, Individual Fellowship.Niche Design Award, Handbuilt Ceramics Division.1991 Arizona Commission on the Arts, Individual fellowship.1990 National Endowment For the Arts, Individual Fellowship.Phoenix Art Museum, Contemporary forum Endowment.SOLO EXHIBITIONS2025 Resurgence, Sullivan Gallery, New Orleans, LA.2014 Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Center for Craft and Design.New Orleans, LA1996 Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA1995 Nichols State University, Ameen Art Gallery, Thibodaux, LA1993 The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA1989 California State University, Long Beach, Thesis Exhibition.SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS2024 50 Years in the Making: Alumni of The Clay Studio, NCECA, Richmond, VA.The Clay Studio 50th Anniversary, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA.Un-Earthed: The NEHMA Ceramics Collection, Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art, Logan, UT.Bill and Jack and Other Friends, Alfred Ceramic Art Museum, Alfred, NY.2000 No Dead Artists. Jonathan Ferrarra Gallery, New Orleans, LA.1999 NCECA Clay National, Columbus Cultural Arts Center, Columbus, OH.Treasures, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, WI.1997 Louisiana Artist Annual, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA.Sylvia Schmidt Gallery, New Orleans, LA.1996 Handle With Care, International Museum of Ceramic Art, NY State, Alfred, NY1995 NCECA Clay National, Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.1994 Strictly Functional, Market House Craft Center, Lancaster, PA .Studio Days ?94, Chester Springs Studio, Chester Springs, PA.GROUP EXHIBITIONS (continued)1994 20th Anniversary Ceramic Invitational, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA.1993 Teapots/Teacups, The Farrell Collection, Washington, DC.Year of American Craft, Maveety Gallery, Salishan, OR.1992 Chicago International New Artforms, Navy Pier, Lill St. Gallery, Chicago, IL.100 Cups, Pro-Art, St. Louis, MO.7th Annual Ceramic National, San Angelo Museum of Fine Art, San Angelo,TX.1991 Chicago International New Artfoms, Navy Pier, Lill St. Gallery, Chicago, IL. NCECA Clay National, University Art Museum, Arizona State, Tempe, AZ.1989 Monarch Tile Ceramic National, San Angelo Museum of Fine Art, San Angelo, TX.1987 American Ceramics Now: The 27th Ceramic National, Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, NY.MUSEUM COLLECTIONSThe International Museum of Ceramic Art, New York State College, Alfred, NY.Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art, Utah State University, Logan, UT.San Angelo Museum of Fine Art, San Angelo, TX.