معرفی
Mary O'Malley serves as Assistant Professor of Sculpture in the Art Department within Mercer University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Originally from Long Island, New York, she joined Mercer after a Knight Foundation residency at Wesleyan College, maintaining an active practice spanning sculpture, ceramics, and community-based public art initiatives.
Her academic credentials include:
- M.A. in Ceramics and Glass, Royal College of Art, London (2014-2016), Dissertation: "The Value of the Creative Individual"
- B.F.A. in Crafts-Ceramics, The University of the Arts, Philadelphia (2004-2007)
O'Malley's research investigates clay's anthropological dimensions to explore cultural narratives and historical legacies through sculptural allegories. Her installations deliberately contrast decorative banality with weighty historical contexts, emphasizing community engagement via public workshops and collaborative projects developed through Collective Matter.
Her distinguished recognition includes:
- American Craft Council Award of Excellence (awarded twice)
- Hambidge Center for the Creative Arts and Sciences residency
As an educator, O'Malley designs material engagement curricula while co-founding Collective Matter to secure funding for socially engaged artists. The group implements large-scale public projects with institutions like Tate Modern and ASSEMBLE, operating workshops at The Potting Shed studio. Though graduate student advising isn't specified, her role involves direct mentorship in sculpture and ceramics.
She co-founded Collective Matter in 2016 with Eva Masterman and Katie Spragg, establishing international partnerships including residencies at Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute and Shanghai JiaoTong University. Her work is represented by Taste Contemporary in Geneva while exhibiting globally from Saatchi Gallery to Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show.
