Stan Welsh (’74 Ceramics)

Growing up in the vibrant college town of Claremont, California, Stan Welsh (‘74 Ceramics) was immersed in an academic culture. With a father serving as Vice President of Claremont McKenna College and exposure to renowned artists such as famous ceramicist, Paul Soldner, Welsh’s journey into the world of art began early in life.

Welsh has had many inspirations throughout his lifetime, but one of the most influential was Paul Soldner. His first introduction to Soldner was from his high school teacher, Geraldine “Gerry” Turner, who was a graduate student of Soldner’s. Connecting with Soldner led Welsh to explore outside of Claremont and eventually discover the Kansas City Art Institute.

"In 1969, Paul Soldner said, 'Stan, you need to go to the Kansas City Art Institute to study with Ken Ferguson. He's a terrific guy.'” Stan recalls. “It was a really smart thing to do because, you know, I was just a young punk and I didn't know which way was up as far as I'm concerned."

Welsh’s artistic journey took a significant turn when he encountered Ceramics Professor, Ken Ferguson. Ferguson recognized Welsh's talent and introduced him to Japanese ceramics, which opened up new possibilities beyond traditional wheel throwing. Welsh's interest in sculpture grew, leading him to transition from ceramics to sculpting abstract forms.

Welsh quickly fell in love with Kansas City and the Midwestern culture, specifically taking an interest in folk art. He took day trips to different areas, eager to delve into the world of folk art and explore how individuals learned their craft.

“I fell in love with folk art out in Kansas City, and it had a huge influence on my work,” Welsh says. “I love the authenticity and the honesty of folk art.”

After graduating from KCAI and moving back to California, Welsh continued exploring ceramics, using vessels as canvases for drawings that eventually evolved into sculpture. While Stan still creates utilitarian forms, his primary focus is on sculpting expressive figures, reflecting the spirit of human experience.

Welsh continued his education at Alfred University, receiving his MFA in 1978 before going on to spend the next 36 years teaching at San Jose State University. He stayed deeply connected with the art community and has been continually evolving his practice through research and exploration. Welsh has shown in many solo and group exhibitions including the Scripps College 75th Ceramic Annual event at Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery, the Triton Museum, the San Jose Museum of Art, the Arizona State University Art Museum Ceramic Research Center, and many more.

This past year Welsh was approached by longtime friend and founder of Z Supply fashion company, Greg Garrett. "Greg has been very supportive of me as an artist. When he came to me and asked if I'd be interested in nominating an organization for a donation from The Z Supply Foundation I decided to give it to the Kansas City Art Institute. I suggested sending some of that money towards the ceramics department. I'm really, really proud of that.”

The Z Supply Foundation is committed to nurturing the next generation of creative minds and artists. Through scholarships, they aim to establish education opportunities for students pursuing degrees in the Arts. Thanks to Welsh’s nomination and Garrett’s philanthropic interests, the Z Supply Foundation has established an endowed scholarship at KCAI to provide aid for both ceramic and fiber students.

Reflecting on his career, Welsh emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance for aspiring artists. Despite the challenges, he encourages students to remain passionate and committed to their craft, acknowledging the pivotal role of institutions like KCAI in shaping future generations of artists.

Instagram: @stanwelsh

Website: www.stanwelsh.com