11/07/2024
This platter is currently on display at the Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal.
A little over two years ago, I was honored and humbled to be invited to be a part of an exhibit at the embassy through the U.S. State Department’s, Arts in Embassies program.
https://art.state.gov/personnel/mark_nafziger/
The Museum of Modern Art first envisioned this global visual arts program in 1953, and President John F. Kennedy formalized it at the U.S. Department of State in 1963. Today, Art in Embassies is an official visual arts office within the U.S. Department of State, engaging over 20,000 participants globally, including artists, museums, galleries, universities, and private collectors. It encompasses over 200 venues in 189 countries.
https://art.state.gov/about/
Growing out of this exhibit has arisen an invitation for Joyce and me, to be Arts Envoys.
The Arts Envoy Program engages American artists and arts professionals in cultural exchange programs and shares the best of the U.S. arts community with the world to foster cross-cultural understanding and collaboration, to demonstrate shared values and aspirations, and to address foreign policy themes and objectives. American arts professionals — including performing artists, visual artists, poets, playwrights, chefs, dancers, theatrical and film directors, curators, and others — travel overseas to conduct workshops, give performances, and mentor young people. U.S. artists also engage online through virtual programs that often allow for greater reach and longer-term connections. Programs connect with international publics seeking to interact and connect with American arts professionals.
https://exchanges.state.gov/us/program/arts-envoy
The official title of the program is:
Arts Envoy: Blending Heritage with Modern Techniques: A Transformative Pottery Exchange for Economic Empowerment
With so many talented potters working today, in such a variety styles and techniques, we can only offer what knowledge and experience we have. We know we will learn and come home with more than we give.
We leave in a week!
