Thanks to a grant from the Windgate Foundation, UMN Morris studio arts students are enjoying an improved studio experience.
The $80,000 grant, which focused on studio safety, funded the replacement of aging equipment including a printmaking press, gas kiln, ceramics glaze mixing tables, and upgraded ventilation for the printmaking, ceramics, and woodworking studios.
Associate Professor of Studio Art Jason Ramey says the new equipment fits with the campus’s focus on sustainability.
“The new gas kiln is more efficient and holds a larger load, so the firing time is decreased from 16 hours to 10 hours. That means less gas is needed per each firing, lowering our carbon footprint.”
Ramey has fired the new kiln twice so far this semester, and is eager for the next firing, as the first two firings yielded excellent results for his ceramics majors and non-majors courses.
“I’m grateful for the support of Bryan Herrmann, Andrew Bjur and everyone in Facilities Management who worked to get the old equipment out and the new equipment installed. I would also like to thank the Grants Development office, as this could not have happened without their support in navigating the process, both before and after the grant was awarded.”
This is the second grant Ramey and UMN Morris has received from the Windgate Foundation. In 2019, $75,000 was used to purchase and install industrial grade woodworking machinery and European style woodworking benches.
About the Windgate Foundation
The Windgate Foundation has been supporting contemporary craft and visual arts for 25 years. Learn more at windgatefoundation.org
