West Virginia Universitys ceramics program in the College of Creative Arts recently announced the grand opening of its new building complex at Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute in China.

The new complex at Jingdezhenwhich was completed in fall 2006includes three buildings and totals 13,000-15,000 square feet, said Bob Anderson, head of ceramics in WVU s Division of Art and the China program coordinator. The buildings have all been updated and rewired. Anderson was in charge of designing the worksites, including tables, wheels and a new wood kiln built last fall.

Previously we worked in a replicated Ming Dynasty site in a bamboo forest in the mountains, two miles from Jingdezhen,Anderson said.But that site is very open and exposed to the elements. We will still hold our summer program there, but the fall and spring programs will be in the new buildings located right on campus.

The WVU Division of Art has offered a comprehensive summer study program in ceramics at Jingdezhen since 1995 and recently expanded the partnership to include a fall program that offers advanced undergraduate, graduate or professional level studies in ceramics, including basic language, culture and Chinese ceramic art history.

Jingdezhen is considered to be Chinas finest ceramics art and design school, and WVU s ceramics program is the only one in the United States offering this kind of study in China.

Our summer program has been in place for 10 years and this is the third year for the fall program,said Anderson, who mentioned classes may soon be offered year-round.We are looking at offering a spring program next year.

Students studying in the program not only come from WVU , but from art programs in the United States and Canada. They have the opportunity to work with faculty from Jingdezhen as well as local Chinese artisans.

The WVU program also includes bringing Chinese students and visiting artists to West Virginia. Three graduate students from China are currently studying at the Creative Arts Center, including two from Beijing and one from Jingdezhen.

Our Jingdezhen partnership is the result of the vision and tireless efforts of Bob Anderson,said Bernie Schultz, dean of WVU s College of Creative Arts.Bobs work has resulted in an internationally-recognized program at WVU ; one that truly enhances the education of our art students. Bobs vision has led to a wonderful achievement.

In addition, 10 visitors from China have been invited to attend the opening of the Jingdezhen faculty ceramic exhibition at the WVU Creative Arts Center Jan. 18. The exhibition of contemporary Chinese ceramic art from Jingdezhen runs through March 10 and gives insight into the evolution of Chinese ceramics as a global art form.

For more information about WVU s ceramics programs in China, contact the Division of Art at 304-293-4841, ext. 3138 or e-mail Bob.Anderson@mail.wvu.edu .