ASU-Beebe fine arts students had the unique opportunity to participate in a hands-on archeological workshop held at the Parkin Archeological State Park on Sept. 16-18.
The Wild Clay and Pitfire Intercollegiate Workshop was organized by Lisa Floryshak, ASU-Beebe assistant professor of art, and Victoria Rossiter, interpreter at the Parkin Archeological State Park. The weekend entailed learning about the Parkin site, discussing the archeological significance of the area, sourcing clay from the river, hiking an intact portion of the Trail of Tears, indulging in decolonized foodways, having many in-depth heritage discussions, as well as making and firing pots.
The aim of the workshop was to bring together groups of students from surrounding universities, professional potters, archeologists, and the public to discuss the significance of pre-contact Arkansas and how it connects to learning and the materials they are using.
ASU-Beebe students participating in the event were Polly Bowles, Emma Wilborn, Skyler Olsen, Terri Hatcher, Natalie Morgenstern and Deanne Roberts and former art students Brandy Davis and Harmony Brantley. Also, Cat Traen, ceramics instructor at the University of Memphis, and her students participated in the workshop. Others participating were from the University of South East Missouri Anthropology Club, the Memphis Potters Guild, as well as Arkansas State archeologists Bob Scott and Mel Zabecki, Parkin State Park Interpreter Victoria Rossiter, Village Creek State Park Interpreter Cathy Combs, Crowley’s Ridge State Park Interpreter Pearl Janjiravat, and approximately 15 members of the public.
ASU-Beebe is the only two-year college in central Arkansas that offers an Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) degree. The AFA degree has an emphasis in vocal music or instrumental music, theater, graphic design, or creative arts enterprise. This degree is a comprehensive two-year curriculum designed specifically for transfer toward a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
