USU Alumnus Nominated for Award

A Utah State University alumnus, Robin DuPont, has been nominated for the Royal Bank of Canada Emerging Artist People’s Choice Award for his work in ceramics.

“I was extremely honored to be nominated for this award,” said DuPont, who graduated in 2011. “This is an exciting time in my career and I feel fortunate to have been nominated for an award that promotes what I do.”

Each year, five ceramic artists from throughout Canada are nominated for the award. The competition is sponsored by the Royal Bank of Canada and the Gardiner Museum in Toronto, Canada’s ceramics museum. As a people’s choice format, the winner is chosen by the most online votes and receive $10,000.

“Social media and connecting with my various groups and community is important in getting the word out about this award,” said DuPont. “The most daunting part for me about this is the online voting.”

DuPont graduated from USU with a master’s of fine arts degree from the Caine College of the Arts in 2001. After graduating, he worked as the visiting artist at the Alberta College of Art & Design (ACAD) in Alberta, Canada, where he received his bachelor’s degree. One of the faculty members at ACAD, Katrina Chaytor, taught DuPont and nominated him for this award.

“Robin captures the atmosphere and turmoil of a wood or soda kiln to create a brushed magic on the surfaces of his pots,” said Chaytor of DuPont’s work. “His work exudes the essence of aesthetic conviction, skillful discernment, clarity of strong form and a master’s control of the flame path.”

For more information on the award or to vote for DuPont, see the Gardiner Museum’s website.

Online voting is open until Oct. 5, after which the winner will be announced.

Related links:

USU Department of Art and Design

USU Caine College of the Arts

Writer: Kara Rindlisbacher, 435-797-9203, kara.rindlisbacher@usu.edu

Contact: Denise Albiston, 435-797-1500, denise.albiston@usu.edu