Art instructor Quinn Maher receives grant for ceramics equipment 

Morehead State University Instructor of Ceramics Quinn Maher received a $25,000 grant from the Windgate Foundation. MSU will use the funds to update ceramics equipment like kilns and clay mixers for the Department Communication, Media, Art & Design and MSU’s Ceramic Guild.  

Maher said when he came to MSU in the fall of 2021, he took stock of equipment and found many electric kilns needed to be updated and required maintenance. He started to look for outside funding opportunities and discovered the Windgate Foundation after working at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village, Colorado.  

“I witnessed how influential those awards could be for the ceramics program and the students that participate within that organization,” he said. “I figured it was a long shot, but I want to build the best ceramics program I can here at MSU.”  

With the support of Dr. Sylvia Henneberg, dean of the Caudill College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Maher reached out to Nellie Middleton in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. They drafted a proposal and submitted an application that resulted in the $25,000 grant.  

“With the funds received, I have been able to replace three old electric kilns with the newest models on the market, as well as a new small test electric kiln. We were also able to purchase a clay mixer to help our studio better recycle clay scraps generated from projects,” Maher said.  

The MSU Ceramics Guild has already utilized the new equipment working with the charitable organization Rowan County Christmas, creating and donating bowls for the Empty Bowls fundraiser on Thursday, Nov. 2, at the American Legion Post 126 in Morehead.  

“My goals are that upgrading the ceramic studio equipment will not only help serve the students of Morehead State but allow for continued opportunities for community members and programs, as well as a recruiting tool for the department,” Maher said. “These new additions have greatly improved the efficiency and safety for our students, as well as giving our students the best opportunities to create their artworks and prepare for a professional future.”  

For more information about programs in the Department of Communication, Media, Art & Design, please email arde@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2766.