Professor Derek Thomas Returns

Artist Derek Thomas Hambly has just been appointed a professorship at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) where he will teach ceramics and develop its arts program. Derek was one of the artists that helped the Washington Glass Studio create the DCCAH public artwork sculpture “Community Gateway“.

Professor Hambly working in the cold shop of the Washington Glass School.

Professor Hambly working in the Washington Glass School cold shop.

A native of New England, Derek received his Bachelor of Arts degree at Bridgewater State College and his Master of Fine Arts at Kent State University with a concentrated study in ceramics. 
Derek’s earliest works began as a dissection of early production glassware. Derek sought out a balance between utilitarian ware and narrative sculpture. His work today is about developing a dialogue between the hand crafted and the naturally occurring while promoting a sense of ceremony and ritual. 

Derek Hambly

Derek Hambly, “Scroll and Pen Study #12”, ceramic

Derek served as the Director of the Ceramics program as well as the Director of the Artist in Residency Program at California’s Mendocino Art Center for several years before traveling back east to continue his practice in both ceramics and education.  

Besides working at the Washington Glass School on a number of projects, Derek also assists at Red Dirt Studio, working under the mentorship of Margaret Boozer. Said Professor Hambly “I see this new chapter as a great stepping stone in my pursuit to blend my studio practice and my exploration of ceramics and art.”           

UDC Faculty Art Show

Derek will start teaching at UDC in August, but he will be showing his newest sculptural ceramic works as part of the UDC Faculty Show opening Tuesday, March 5th (the reception date changed to March 10th due to snow). The show will feature paintings, drawings, photography, design, and sculpture by 18 artists teaching in the UDC Art Program in Gallery 42 from March 5 – 31, 2015.

udc.art_show_faculty_2015

 

The opening reception is Tuesday, March 10th from 6:30 – 8:00 PM in Gallery 42, building 42, room A-12. The show will run until March 31st. Regular gallery hours are Monday – Thursday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Gallery 42
4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008

For further information on the UDC Faculty Exhibit, contact Professor Daniel Venne, Art Program Coordinator, at dvenne@udc.edu or 202.274.5781.