Emma Kaye

Emma Kaye is a Visiting Assistant Professor and Technician in Ceramics at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She holds a BFA in Art History from Pratt Institute (2014), Post-Baccalaureate Studies in Ceramics from Syracuse University (2020), and an MFA in Ceramic Art from Alfred University (2024). Her work explores materiality and functional forms through wood-fired ceramics, emphasizing the interplay between human interaction and environmental processes.

• Education:
• BFA Art History, Pratt Institute (2014)
• Post-Baccalaureate Studies, Syracuse University (2020)
• MFA Ceramic Art, Alfred University (2024)

Research Interests: Emma’s practice focuses on vessel forms as intermediaries between humans and environments. Her work combines slab-built and wheel-thrown techniques with wood firing to create sculptural, functional pieces that challenge traditional ceramic aesthetics. Key themes include material sovereignty, elemental behavior, and visual contradictions.

Awards:

• 2021 Emerging Artist Award (Ceramic Monthly)
• 2019 Dr. Judith Temple Scholarship (Arrowmont School of Crafts)
• 2018 Texas Star Scholarship (Penland School of Crafts)

Teaching & Grants: She has taught at institutions including Alfred University, The Baum School of Art, and Children’s Arts Guild. Her technical expertise includes kiln firing (e.g., wood kilns, anagamas) and studio management. No grants explicitly mentioned, but her workshops and exhibitions reflect sustained professional engagement.

Labs/Teams: Current role as Technician at UNC Charlotte’s Ceramics Department involves studio maintenance and equipment oversight.