Over the past few years a little-used space on the lower level of Central Academy has been transformed into one of the city’s most dynamic art studios.
The new home to the school’s pottery program was made possible thanks to a lead gift of $400,000 from the W.T. and Edna M. Dahl Trust back in 2018. While fundraising is still underway for some additional finishes to the space it is already a thriving hub for student-artists and their teacher, Dara Green.
And now it is ready to host its first solo exhibit by a student.
Livi Ovrom is a senior at Roosevelt High School and Central Academy.
During this current school year – in the midst of an on-going pandemic as classes went back and forth between in-person and online – Livi created 29 works that are now the focus of the inaugural show in the studio’s gallery space.
Some sibling encouragement first got her interested in pottery: “My older brother enjoyed taking pottery at Central and art classes at Roosevelt and encouraged me to take them too. I have always loved creating things, so I was really excited to start taking pottery as a sophomore.”
Livi’s works fill the gallery space with a range of shapes and sizes and colors, and a visual reminder that a most unusual school year does not interrupt a creative spirit.
“I love that there are no limits in throwing (making pottery), as you can always get better and learn new techniques,” said Livi. “My teacher, Ms. Green, gives us a lot of creative freedom.”
About her work and exhibit, she adds: “Working with underglaze to create patterns and designs on my pottery is the most fun for me. I try not to have too much of a plan in mind for my work, instead I just experiment with color and let my vision of the piece take shape as I go. My show reflects this mindset, as for the most part I simply created instead of planning every step out first, which allowed me to try ideas more freely. I am lucky to have a great community of potters around me that inspire me to keep improving.”
While Livi has the honor of being featured in the first exhibit at the Central Academy pottery studio, it may not be the last we see of her work.
“I want to take art classes in college, and plan to keep creating art and experimenting with design throughout my life,” said noted.
While access to DMPS school buildings remains limited this year, you can see Livi and some of her creations in the photo album below or visit the Central Academy Throwing Instagram page for more about the exhibit and the pottery program.
