Bill Strickland has always had a passion for helping inner city kids since 1968. When the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts Conference was looking for a place to hold its annual conference, Strickland knew the initiative would be another way to help the kids he has dedicated his life to.

“This conference is a great opportunity to showcase, underscore and highlight what we have been doing with kids,” said Strickland, who grew up in Pittsburgh’s Manchester section.

BILL STRICKLAND

The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts Conference (Ceramix) will be organized by the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, which was established by Strickland in 1968 to help curb the social and economic deprivation of youths in Manchester. The conference will be held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center March 19-22.

Located on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild typically hosts up to six visiting artists annually. Two exhibitions each year showcase the work of students enrolled in guild programs and art classes within the Pittsburgh School Public School System.

The NCECA conference, which was founded in 1966 by a group of ceramic artists who saw the benefits of highlighting ceramic arts and creating support for ceramics teachers and artists. What started out as a small group of several hundred artists is now an organization that has more than 4,000 members. The conference is a much-anticipated yearly event. Approximately 5,000 artists will attend this year’s conference.

“NCECA is really looking forward to working with the great arts organizations of Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh’s geography and history correspond with the theme of this year’s conference—CONFLUENCE: Innovation, Community, Environment. The meeting of the three rivers and the city’s rebirth after the decline of the steel industry parallel the convergence of artists at the conference and the evolution of art as we become more of a global community,” said Richard Burkett, NCECA board director of communications and San Diego State University professor.

Strickland is no stranger to ceramics. While in high school, he learned how to work with clay from his teacher and mentor, the late Frank Ross. Ross helped Strickland get accepted into the University of Pittsburgh.

“I like to create functional things like cups and bowls and jars. I sell my work and give the money to the center,” Strickland said. “This is a really personal way for me to give back. I want to provide a broad base to let people know what ceramics is all about. Hopefully, the kids see themselves with possibilities and see positive role models at this conference.”

Strickland will serve as the keynote speaker at the conference.

Other artists include guild alumni Sharif Bey, an exhibition curator for the August Wilson Center for African American Culture, Joshua Green, Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild director of arts and education strategies.

In addition to artists, classes featuring ceramics, glass, clay and other forms of art will be held throughout Pittsburgh neighborhoods including Shadyside, West End, Sewickley and the Strip District.

Strickland is also planning a special tribute to Ross during the conference.

“He died in a car accident three years ago. Frank’s students will work will be exhibited at the conference. This will be something special to honor him,” Strickland said.

For more information on the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts contract the Manchester Craftsman’s Guild at 412-323-4000.