The Circle of Eight was established in 2006 when eight ceramic artists came together to promote their work through exhibitions and public sales. There is much diversity in the work of the members with both utilitarian and sculptural works being represented created from high-temperature porcelain, stoneware and earthenware clays.
The group includes Greg Scott, Adrienne Dellinger, Jennifer Mecca, Ron Philbeck, Amy Sanders, and Julie Wiggins with guest artists Dina Wilde-Ramsing and Michael Kline. The Circle potters are members of Carolina Claymatters, Charlotte’s clay guild, which includes more than 100 members.

Guest artist Dina Wilde-Ramsing holds a BA from UNC-CH a BS from ECU and has been a professional artist since 1985. Animal imagery in her work is meant to convey emotions of comfort and support, forces which we as humans seek to shelter and "transport" us through the journeys we travel. To read more about Dina on our blog click here

Jennifer Mecca, formerly of New Bern, is a utilitarian potter. She enjoys making serving pieces and tableware that bring delight to the daily activity of eating, setting a table and enjoying a meal. She earned a BFA from VCU, and a BFA and MFA from ECU. She is a fulltime potter and teacher. Her inspirations for surfaces stem from patterns in fabric, paintings, and historic dishware. To read more about Jennifer on our blog click here

Ron Philbeck started making pots in 1992 after finishing four years at NCSU. Ron also studied at John C. Campbell Folk School and Arrowmont School of Crafts. Mixing his clay by hand, utilizing a treadle wheel and hard brick salt kiln; Ron's relaxed style of pot making is reminiscent of an earlier era, a time when quality and craftsmanship was a statement in and of itself. To read more about Ron on our blog click here

Amy Sanders first discovered clay as an undergraduate student at Centre College in Danville, KY where she graduated with a BA in art. Amy has been teaching ceramics for 8 years. Recently Amy's work was featured in Pottery Making Illustrated. Her work is created by pinching, folding, and draping slabs over molds, stamping and creating textures are distinctive charastics of her work.

Also a teacher, Julie Wiggins is fascinated with creating objects that stimulate the sense of touch with focus on utility and form. She is inspired by the histories of environmental and architectural settings along with the repetition and gestural quality of a line. Her pottery is often decorated with her hand drawn imagery that reflects a love of nature.

Guest potter, Michael Kline has been a studio potter since 1993. He holds a BFA from the University of Tennessee and also studied at Penland School of Craft and was a resident artist there. His pots are inspired by the traditional stoneware of the Cataba Valley and Seagrove areas of North Carolina. His pieces features botanical themes, glass runs, and alkaline ash glaze. To read more about Michael on our blog click here

Adrienne Dellinger received her BFA from ECU, has studied at Penland School of Crafts, and is currently the Executive Director for Clayworks, Inc. in Charlotte. Adrienna creates pots that enrich the day-to-day experience. She was influenced by Catawba Valley and Seagrove potters creating a foundation for traditional and utilitarian pottery.

Greg Scott completed a BFA at ECU. He is a member of Carolina Clay Matters and loves to be involved in community education. He was formally an assistant designer in the digital studio at Paramount Show Services. He is currently developing new ideas that have emerged from his experience at Paramount exploring the boundaries between drawing, painting, and ceramic media.
This group presents an exciting exhibition of work ranging from functional to sculptural work in porcelain, earthenware and stoneware created with a vast array of techniques.




