Biography
Sarai Cruzan
Sarai Cruzan was born in a small town in Western Colorado called Cortez. She received her BFA concentration in ceramics from Colorado Mesa University in May of 2024. Her work intends to harken back to her childlike love of the natural world with the added element of a usable piece of artwork to enhance everyday life.
Sarai’s work selected into the Biennial Contemporary Clay Exhibition juried by Alleghany Meadows (Grand Junction, CO). And has plans to enter into many more Exhibitions.
Artist Statement
I find beauty in simplicity. The ebb and flow of a singular line, the subtle change in a form intrigues me.
I seek to break two-dimensional space on three dimensional objects through the use of line. As a child, I found myself drawing flowers and wanting to understand how to make them appear to grow out of the paper. While trying to find my style in ceramics I explored the processes of Mishima and sgraffito which allow me to draw on my ceramic pieces. Peonies began to occur frequently: subconsciously. They allowed me to harken back and connect the little girl sitting in the garden to the artist that I am becoming. They now represent my overcoming of self-doubt and finding my place in the art world.
The low relief intricate designs beg to be traced by the users hands; the wrapped compositions with delicate florals invite the user to examine and enjoy an everyday sense of elegance.
My work has become a visual representation of my personal and artistic growth. I have found peace in the process of creating functional art that can enhance everyday life. And now I want my work to inspire others to investigate the simple beauties of the world.
CV
Education
2024 Colorado mesa University, Grand Junction, CO- Bachelor of Fine Arts, Ceramics
Work Experience
2023- Present Angelo’s Pottery Painting Studio- Wheel throwing and Studio Worker
Assist customers in the under glazing and glazing of bisque pieces.
Teach the basics of wheel throwing.
Glazing of customers pieces
Loading of kilns
Money handling and Banking
Upkeep of Studio
Teaching of large classes in both clay and painting
2022- Present CMU Ceramics Studio- Work-study Employee
Upkeep and cleaning of studio
Making of studio glazes
Loading and unloading of electric and gas kilns
Firing gas and electric kilns
Academic achievements
2019-2024 Pell Grant Recipient
2019-2024 Colorado Grant recipient
2019-2021 First Generation Grant recipient
Exhibitions
2024 10th Annual Dirty South Cup Competition
Juror, Randy Brodnax (scheduled)
River Oaks Square Arts Center, Alexandria, LA
2024 Contemporary Clay: 10th International Biennial Juried Exhibit 2024
Juror, Alleghany Meadow (scheduled)
The Art Center of Western Colorado, Grand Junction, CO
2024 “Engagement” CMU BFA Candidate Exhibition
437 co Gallery, Grand Junction, CO
2023 CMU Student exhibition
Juror, Terry Shepard
The Art Center of Western Colorado, Grand Junction, CO
Attended Workshops
2023 Russell Wrankle, CMU Ceramics Studio, Grand Junction, CO
2023 Terry Shepard, Raku Workshop, CMU, Grand Junction, CO
2022 Patty Chalmers, CMU Ceramics Studio, Grand Junction, CO
Professional Experience
2023 The Art Center of Western Colorado Demo Night (Volunteered), Grand Junction, CO
2023 National Empty Bowl Donation, Grand Junction, CO
Other Work Experience
2023- Present CMU Clay Club President
Organizing of club meeting and events
Scheduling of setting out as well as the pugging of reclaim
Scheduling of biannual ceramics sales
Selling of reclaimed and commercial clay
2023 437co Gallery- Gallery assistant
Assisted in installing and deinstalling Russell Wrankles show, “More and Then Some”
2022 437 co Gallery- Gallery assistant
Assisted in installing and deinstalling the “Small Matters” competition juried by Patty Chalmers
2021-2023 CMU Career Services Office- Peer Assistant
Assisting students in finding jobs on and off campus
Directing calls
Hosting Hiring events and job fairs
Managing incoming emails
Scheduling appointments with staff
2020 CMU Transfer office- Student worker
Assisted full time staff by inputting courses of transfer transcripts at large volumes
Assured that all information was recorded and inputted correctly.
Kept track of a large number of files to maintain organization
2020 Conquistador Golf Course- Pro shop worker
Scheduled and checked in customers for tea times
Food preparation
Running of the beer cart
Amateur bartending
2016-2019 Moose and More- manager
Made ice cream, chocolates, and other candy
Oversaw the training of new employees
Money handling and banking
General store upkeep
Ensuring cleanliness of store and equipment
Upkeep of inventory
Managing of product amounts