(NWPR-OH) – It was in 1972, when Dr. Ralph Stuckman discovered after taking a pottery class it expanded not only his appreciation for the arts, but also gave him a new balance in his then academic career. Although words were the primary focus used in his career employment, this former educator, school administrator and university professor realized, “Pottery allowed me to be creative and see instant results.” Scheduled to speak at the Delphos Area Art Guild (DAAG) on Tuesday, January 18 at 7:00 pm, the ‘Art Doctor’ will be coordinating a community project of making a large ceramic collage piece that will commemorate the history and spirit of “America’s Most Friendliest City” as coined.
Although the local artwork project is a joint effort between Stuckman and DAAG’s members, according to Judy Grone, “One does not have to be an artist or a member of the Art Guild to participate.” In addition, there are no costs involved and there are various ways to ‘leave your mark’ – either by contributing some historical information, as well as hands-on involvement in creating the ceramic work.
From start to finish and over 4-5 meetings, Dr. Stuckman will guide the project, which when completed, “The piece be donated to the city and displayed in a public place for all to enjoy for years to come,” added DAAG’s Executive Director and Founder Judy Grone.
Founded in 1845 by Reverend Father Otto Bredeick and his brother, Ferdinand, Delphos is located in West Central Ohio, East of Lima and West of Van Wert, is served by main thoroughfares of Routes 30 and 66, including the once historic waterway, the Miami-Erie Canal that ran from Toledo to Cincinnati. If not the latter, America’s first coast-to-coast highway, Lincoln Highway runs also through the city. For more information, call Mayor Michael Gallmeier at 419.695.4010 or see www.cityofdelphos.com.
The Delphos Area Art Guild is located on the 2nd floor of the Museum of Postal History on Main Street, a stone’s throw from another icon, The Delphos Herald.
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Ralph Stuckman found his new creative outlet gave him much enjoyment, which has taken him back to his Bucyrus, Ohio roots where he would spend countless hours roaming the family’s 40-acre woods observing nature.
The potter believes his farm background and his love of the soil also played a major role in his chosen art form. “Clay is part of the soil, the glaze for the clay comes from the earth’s minerals, and the kiln provides the fire,” he said.
Over the years, his other creative outlets involve making wind chimes, with an array of sounds and various themes, and that is all he made for awhile. “I was intrigued with what I could do with the glazing techniques,” said Stuckman.
From there, he expanded his pottery-making skills with the thrown method and various types of clay, as well as more complicated glazings. “As an artist, I wanted my pieces to be distinctively different,” he said.
His work is non-functional and he uses no set patterns because his creative side demands that each piece to stand alone. “I want each piece to be looked at and enjoyed.” Besides the artist or educator in him, Dr. Ralph Stuckman adheres to the belief that knowledge must be shared. “Being out there alone, I get dry in the mind. Being in a group lets my mind unfold,” he said.