Baltimore Clayworks Virtual Artist Talk with Larry Allen

Ceramic artists are at the heart of Baltimore Clayworks. Artists are at the center of the mission of Baltimore Clayworks, and provide the organization with talent and innovation to inspire our community and to enliven the artistic impact of ceramics in our region. Their professional and personal networks provide a kaleidoscope of interactions with peers, galleries, and academic institutions, which keep the organization at the forefront of contemporary ceramic art.

Artist Bio

Larry  Allen is an accomplished pottery artist whose works are increasingly sought after by collectors in the Southeast and throughout the country.  His stoneware-clay vessels are inspired largely by Native American and African art, and are authentic, beautiful and functional.  He was introduced to the world of pottery as a student at Berea College in Berea, KY, in the late 70's where he served as an apprentice potter for three years and earned a bachelor's degree in art.  He taught pottery classes at Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham, AL for four years before opening his own studio known as L A Pottery in 2006. 

After the events of September 11, 2001 he was stirred by the country's collective unification.  Seeing blue-collar and white-collar men and women and even Congress on the front steps of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., standing for a common cause, he remembers thinking, "Now they get it--there is strength in unity."  He decided to capture that spirit in a "UNITY Motif" of linked hands raised in the air, which he has carved into many of his art pieces to date. 

Throughout his career of over 40 years his work has received many accolades, including being showcased on the nationally televised HGTV show "That's Clever" in 2008.  He is a Guild member of the Southern Highlands in Asheville, N.C., and Alabama Designer Craftsmen in Birmingham, AL.  He has won numerous awards including 'Best In Show' at many art shows, and his work is represented in several art galleries across the United States.  His work has also been given as a gift to Pulitzer Prize winner and author Harper Lee.  He was presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award in November 2018 from Berea Colllege in Berea, KY. 

In 2019 his work was featured in an article in the winter edition of The Cottage Journal Magazine.  In 2021 his work was chosen as part of the set design in the movie "BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER".  In 2022 his work was part of an art exhibition of the Northern Clay Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Also in 2022 he was commissioned by The Birmingham Museum Of Art to create a vase which is part of the museum's permanent collection now on display in the Wedgewood Gallery section of the museum. 

Larry and his wife (Linda) reside in Leeds, AL.  They have one daughter (Mahisha) who has twins (boy & girl) & husband that reside in Manassas, VA. 

Host or Publisher Baltimore Clayworks