GRANT S.
DOWNING
gsdowningceramics@gmail.com
gsdowning.weebly.com
(918) 850-8668
SUMMARY
Multi-disciplinary artist and driven educator with a background in a variety of artistic mediums and over ten years
of experience in the field of fine arts. Advanced knowledge in sculpture and ceramic media with three years
hands-on teaching and studio management experience. Strong background in printmaking, drawing, and
photography and a diverse exhibition history. Completed coursework and internships in gallery management with
knowledge on traditional museum and gallery installation standards and practices. Proficiency with both handheld
and power tools, general carpentry skills and strong organizational skills and understanding of gallery maintenance
and upkeep. Excellent written and verbal communication abilities and familiarity with technology and office tools.
EDUCATION
Wichita State University, MFA (Ceramics) Wichita, KS
Northern Arizona University, Post-baccalaureate (Ceramics) Flagstaff, AZ
Fort Lewis College, BA (Studio Sculpture & Ceramics) Durango, CO
Kansas City Art Institute, (Sculpture) Kansas City, MO
INTERNSHIPS & EMPLOYMENT
Ceramics Instructor, Beverly Art Center, Chicago, IL (2021 - )
● Prepared and presented weekly demonstrations for introductory, intermediate, and youth ceramics courses
at community art center.
● Managed and maintained ceramic studio including material inventory and ordering, kiln firing, clay and
glaze mixing, as well as general cleaning and maintenance of equipment and classroom.
Ceramics Instructor, Chicago Ceramics Center, Chicago, IL (2021 - )
● Prepared and presented weekly demonstrations for introduction and intermediate ceramics courses at
community studio.
● Manage studio and facilities including clay and glaze mixing, kiln firing, and general maintenance and
cleaning of equipment, tools, and studio.
Instructor of Record, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS (2018-2021)
● Independently prepared and presented demonstrations and instructions for four semesters of Introduction to
Ceramics.
● Responsible for classroom management and evaluating the work of approximately fifteen students per
semester.
● Managed studio and facilities including clay and glaze mixing, kiln firing, cleaning and maintenance of
equipment and tools, and maintaining material inventory.
● Communicated with students from a diverse range of backgrounds and met with them on an individual
basis to ensure learning goals were met.
Ceramic Tile Production, Del Norte Studio, Wichita, KS (2021)
● Produced, glazed and fired ceramic tiles for a large-scale mosaic installation for the city parks department.
● Collaborated with lead artist to develop new, time-saving approaches to tile production.
● Responsible for maintaining a clean studio and the mixing of clays, slips, and glazes.
Sculptor's Apprentice, Brady Hatter, Wichita, KS (2019)
● Assisted with the fabrication, transportation, and installation of four large-scale public artworks.
● Coordinated with artist, university, and community groups to manage the installation process.
Technical Ceramics Internship, Lorna Meaden, Durango, CO (2016)
● Developed familiarity with a range of materials and processes associated with ceramic production.
● Became skilled in mixing clays and glazes.
● Gained understanding of gas, electric, and atmospheric firing methods.
Gallery Management Intern, Fort Lewis College, Andrea Martens, Durango, CO (2016)
● Responsible for installation and take down of exhibitions in the university galleries.
● Participated in the promotion and production of art-related events and openings.
● Learned the institutional practices for maintaining and operating a commercial art gallery.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2021 Nothin’ to No One , MFA Thesis Exhibition, Clayton Staples Gallery, Wichita, KS
2019 Materialize, group exhibition, Art & Design Gallery, Lawrence, KS
2019 Annual Staff Exhibition, group exhibition, Touchstone Center for Craft, Farmington, PA
2019 Form-Fire-Flux, group exhibition, Reuben Saunders Gallery, Wichita, KS
2018 Fractured Gatherings, group exhibition, Mercer Gallery, Garden City, KS
2016 Annual Senior Exhibition, group exhibition, Fort Lewis College Art Gallery, Durango, CO
2016 Don’t Breathe, solo exhibition, EXIT Gallery, Durango, CO
2016 Annual Juried Exhibition, group exhibition, Durango Art Center, Durango, CO
2015 Lots to See, solo exhibition, Blue Moon, Tulsa, OK
2014 Annual Student Showcase, group exhibition, Center for Creativity, Tulsa, OK
2013 I Know You’re On My Side, group exhibition, Elberta House, Nashville, TN
2013 Seeing Beyond Ourselves, group exhibition, Artspace 191, Vienna, Austria
2012 Animal Series, group exhibition, Blue Moon, Tulsa OK
2012 Annual Student Showcase, group exhibition, Center for Creativity, Tulsa, OK
2011 KCAI Sculpture Department Showcase, group exhibition, Volker Building, Kansas City, MO
2010 KCAI Sculpture Department Showcase, group exhibition, Ice House Gallery, Kansas City, MO
SKILLS AND PROFICIENCIES
● Experienced with studio tools, materials, and practices.
● Trained in a variety of artistic mediums
● Broad substantive knowledge of contemporary and historical art.
● Gallery and studio management.
● Knowledgeable of institutional standards and application processes for universities, exhibitions,
residencies, and employment.
HONORS & AWARDS
2021 Outstanding achievement in Art History, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS
2018 Graduate Teaching Assistantship, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS
2013 Honorable Mention, Annual Student Showcase, Tulsa Community College, Tulsa, OK
2012 Best In Show, Annual Student Showcase, Tulsa Community College, Tulsa, OK
2008 Merit Based Scholarship, Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City, MO
SERVICE & VOLUNTEER WORK
2019-2021 WSU Ceramics Guild Treasurer
2018-2019 Wichita Empty Bowls Volunteer
2018-2019 ICT Open Street Volunteer
2018-2019 Community Build-a-Bowl Volunteer
MEDIA COVERAGE
2016 The Independent, Spring Issue, Printmaking, editor Hannah Maddera, Durango, CO
2016 The Independent Online, “Don’t Breathe” art Exhibit by Grant Downing, author Alex Semadeni, Durango,
CO
2015 The Independent, Fall Issue, Poetry, editor Hannah Maddera, Durango, CO
