Barton Community College's Student Staff and Faculty Show
April 11 - May 9
Featuring Guest Judge John Hamilton
Launchpad Mug by John Hamilton
March 10, 2025
Story by Joe Vinduska
Story by Joe Vinduska
Otherworldly 3D art will be front and center at the Shafer Gallery’s “Sci-Fi Ceramics” event, led by artist John Hamilton April 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Ceramics Lab, in the Technical Building, room T-151.
This free workshop will feature discussion, demonstrations, and small hands-on elements that showcase how Hamilton creates his unique artwork. Lunch will be provided from noon to 1 p.m. All skill levels are welcome, but the recommended age is high school or older.
To reserve a spot for the workshop, please contact Shafer Gallery Community Engagement Coordinator Richard Lartz at shafergallery@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9242.
Hamilton said in his artist statement that merging science fiction and clay defines his artistic voice.
“Each piece employs trompe l’oeil, inviting viewers to question materials and engage with intricate details,” he said. “My goal is to create functional art that belongs on counters and shelves, not hidden in cabinets. Beyond utility, my work serves as a conversation-starting focal point, standing apart from everyday aesthetics.”
Hamilton’s journey with clay began in 2005 at Colby Community College, leading to a BFA in Ceramics and a bachelor’s degree in art education from Fort Hays State University in 2012. He returned to Colorado, settling in Arvada with his wife and daughters. As a studio assistant at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, he maintained the studio, made glazes, and loaded kilns before becoming an instructor and Artist in Residence. His role expanded to firing cone 10 kilns, assisting students, organizing pottery sales, and setting up gallery shows. In 2021, he took on his first managerial role at the Art Students League of Denver, and in the fall of 2024, he returned to manage the Arvada Center’s program while continuing to teach and sell his sci-fi-themed pottery.
The workshop will precede the reception for the BartArt exhibit, which will feature pieces from Barton students, faculty, and staff. Hamilton will serve as the guest judge for this exhibit, and the awards ceremony will be part of the reception at 6:30 p.m. that evening. The exhibit will run through May 9. Light refreshments will be served, and admission is free.
Guest Judge John Hamilton
Bart Art Article from the Great Bend Tribune
Shafer Gallery features student and staff work
The Shafer Gallery will hold an awards reception and opening reception for the popular “Bart Art” exhibition featuring artwork from Barton faculty, staff, and students at 6:30 p.m. April 11.
This year’s guest judge is ceramics artist and Arvada Center for Arts and Humanities Program Manager John Hamilton. He will provide critiques of the award-winning artwork and words of encouragement to the student artists.
Shafer Gallery Community Engagement Coordinator Richard Lartz said the exhibit is one of three community-based shows at the gallery throughout the year and a great way to encourage the creative endeavors of the College community.
“It is an exclusive chance for those working or studying at Barton to showcase their talents to their peers and our neighboring communities,” he said. “It puts a variety of talent, ability, and mastery on public display that may very well be unknown to those attending or working at the College.”
The exhibit runs through May 9 and also features Hamilton’s sci-fi-inspired ceramic art.