As “Artist in Residence” and Department Head of Ceramics, Jon Higuchi joined the Thunderbirds Center for the Arts in September 2017. From the ground-up, his goal has been to create a sustainable clay studio facility and develop a practical classroom curriculum that welcomes local valley clay enthusiasts from the curious novice to the more accomplished level student.
Jon has been studying pottery in Arizona for over 40 years as an artist and 20 + years as a teacher. He has taught at the Mesa Art Center, Phoenix College and facilitated/demonstrated numerous workshops and events. A notable ceramic artist, he has commissioned works in several prestigious private and corporate collections in the Americas, Japan, Switzerland, Middle East. He also has been an award-winning exhibitor in art shows, galleries around the United States and featured in magazines & news media since 1978.
Jon Higuchi is well known for his teaching skills in throwing on the potter’s wheel, glazing and the ancient Japanese art of “Raku” firing techniques. He also is well balanced in teaching the style of hand building. He seeks to understand everyone’s motivation and the benefits for enrolling in a class. Some choose to begin learning or to improve their clay skills as a hobbyist, teacher, or professional artist. Others take it as a therapeutic break from their high-pressure careers, personal time from family, meeting/making friends or just out of curiosity. He believes in the hands-on approach teaching style, assisting beginning level students from beginning to end, through each step of the process to creating a finished clay piece. Experienced students have the opportunity to work more independently, utilizing his knowledge for problem solving and advancement to a greater skill level. He believes in learning the basic skills well and then the doors to greater possibilities will open.