My work in ceramics revolves primarily around issues of family and my Asian-American background. Cultural marginality and blending, tradition vs. Westernization, language and translation are key elements in my work. Since the birth of my son, I have been drawing inspiration from major events in my family’s history, the day-to-day challenges of parenting, and my own childhood memories of being raised in a minority culture in the US. I use the image of a child as a symbol of innocence, potential and vulnerability.— Beth Lo Beth Lo was born in Lafayette, Indiana, to parents who had recently emigrated from China. She received a Bachelor’s of General Studies from the University of Michigan, and an MFA from the University of Montana where she studied with Rudy Autio. Lo assumed Autio’s position as Professor of Ceramics when he retired, and was twice honored with the University of Montana Provost’s Distinguished Lecturer Award. Lo retired in 2015. In 2013 Lo was invited to make a new work for the Main Exhibition of the 7th Gyeonggi International Ceramics Biennale in Korea. She has received numerous honors, including a National Endowment for the Arts Visual Artist Fellowship Grant, a Montana Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship, and an American Craft Museum Design Award. Her figurative sculpture and pottery have been acquired by the Schein-Joseph International Museum of Ceramic Art at Alfred University, Harborview Medical Center, Microsoft Corporation, the University of Washington Medical Center, the Permanent Collection of the Yellowstone Art Center, and the Hallmark Card Corporation Ceramics Collection. Beth and her sister, Ginnie Lo, have collaborated on two children’s picture books: Auntie Yang’s Great Soybean Picnic and Mahjong All Day Long, which won the 2005 Marion Vannett Ridgeway Award. Lo is also active as a bass player and vocalist for several musical ensembles including The Big Sky Mudflapsand Salsa Loca.