Biographical note

James C. Watkins is a ceramic artist who has been working with clay for over 30 years. His work is included in the White House Collection of American Crafts, and the Shigaraki Institute of Ceramic Studies in Shigaraki, Japan. Mr. Watkins is a Full Professor and is the Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies in the College of Architecture at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. He is the recipient of the Texas Tech University President's Excellence in Teaching Award. He received the degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Kansas City Art Institute, in Kansas City, Missouri, and an M.F.A. from Indiana UniversityBloomington.

Paul Wandless is on the Board of Directors for The Clay Studio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has served on the Board of Directors for the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA), and currently is a special appointee to the board for special projects. In 2002 he received the Distinguished Young Alumni Award from Minnesota State University at Mankato. Mr. Wandless holds Master of Fine Arts degrees from Arizona State University and from Minnesota State University-Mankato, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from University of Delaware. Along with exhibiting his works nationally in galleries, universities, and museums, Mr. Wandless also gives lectures and workshops regarding his work and techniques. He has taught as a visiting assistant professor since 1999, and currently teaches at the University of Delaware.