Artist: Steve Hansen
Artist Biography
Steve Hansen is a potter living in Wisconsin. His work reflects his interest in the rural aesthetics of the rustbelt. Having lived in Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, New York, and Oklahoma, the surfaces he loves to emulate in his work reflect those weathered by ice, wind, and sun. Holes in barn walls repaired with 70-year-old license plates, or tin beer cans full of rusted nails are visual inspirations. Having taught studio art, and art history for 30 years, his interests also extend to cultural history. As a child of the 1970’s there is a strong thread of nostalgia running through his work as well. Steve loves the idea that his work will be used, and bring a bit of joy to the user.
Education:
M.F.A. The University of Notre Dame, Terminal Degree in Fine Arts, Sculpture Emphasis
B.F.A. Andrews University
Administrative Experience:
2021- 24: Vice President of Academic Affairs, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.
MIAD is a private, four-year art institution with 900 students, 53 full-time faculty, 78 adjuncts
and an annual budget of $39 million. The student body is 30% BIPOC. Nearly 60% of
students identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and 40% are Pell eligible.
Key Accomplishments at MIAD
• Rewrote Interior Architecture and Design curriculum.
The curriculum included multiple, 2-credit courses, and veered away from industry
expectations for Interior Design. The new curriculum is geared toward student learning
outcomes necessary for interior design certification, and eliminated the 2-credit courses,
which were outside standard practice for MIAD. I played an instrumental role in this
process.
• Achieved NASAD accreditation
We achieved a glowing report, and a 10-year accreditation.
• Hired 16 full-time faculty. Increased faculty diversity by 8%.
In my role as VPAA, my office oversaw the creation of the committees, and scheduling
of interviews, and visits. I also interviewed all finalists, and along with the President,
gave final approval for all hires.
• Implemented Animation track
Implemented the Animation Track in Fall 2022. 45 students chose this program. I
oversaw the launch of the program, and hired an additional full-time faculty member in
this area. We anticipate a 5-7% growth in our enrollment as a result of adding this
program.
• Started Fashion/Apparel Design major
I identified Fashion and Apparel Design as our next area of programmatic growth. I
oversaw the writing of the curriculum, and guided the program through the internal and
external approval processes. It was approved by the Faculty Senate, and by NASAD.
The program fully launched in Fall of 2023. Research indicates a probable enrollment
growth of 5-7% over the next 4 years as a result of adding this major.
• Started the MIAD Student Advisory Council
I implemented a Student Advisory Council consisting of elected representatives from
each major who have direct access to myself and the President during scheduled meetings.
• Implemented MIAD’s first ever international consortial agreement. In an effort to expand
our ability to recruit international students, I entered an agreement with the International
Partnership of Edcucational Research and Communication (IPERC) to offer MIAD
courses at select international high schools. This is the first ever agreement of its kind at
MIAD.
• Started the MIAD Values Award. This award is granted each month to an employee who
exemplifies one or more of MIAD’s key values.
2020 – 2021: Chief Academic Officer of the Munson-Williams-Proctor School of art and Dean
of PrattMWP College of Art and Design, Utica, NY. PrattMWP is a satellite campus of Pratt
institute. It is a fully residential campus with 200 students, specializing in the foundation
experience of the Pratt curriculum.
Key Accomplishments at PrattMWP
• Implemented first-ever use of LMS (Canvas)
Prior to the pandemic, the PrattMWP campus did not use an LMS system, nor did they
offer any courses online. I implemented the installation of Canvas, and the necessary
training so that we could offer quality online and hybrid courses during the 2020-21
academic year.
• Created and implemented DEI plan
I took over responsibility for the PrattMWP program at the height of the pandemic, and
the Black Lives Matter movement. I created a DEI plan which included: ally training for
all faculty, hiring a new Social Media Manager with the expectation that our media
footprint would be fully representational, decolonization of the curriculum, increased
faculty resources, emphasis on inclusivity in library acquisitions, and bias reporting.
• Oversaw the recruitment of largest incoming class in the history of the program
The director of enrollment management, and student finance reported to me. I worked
closely with them, and our new Social Media Manager to implement a plan for
enrollment that worked spectacularly. This included the first use of targeted adds on
social media platforms, a more aggressive use of Instagram, and improvements to the
website.
• Successful covid crisis management
I guided PrattMWP through a year in which our dorms were at half capacity, and our
curriculum was offered in virtual and hybrid formats for the first time. We had to maintain
adherence to NY State Covid guidelines for testing, isolation, and immunization.
Tensions within the faculty and student body ran high. I led the institution through the
crisis.
2017- 2020: Dean, College of Fine Arts and Design, University of Central Oklahoma. CFAD is
a college with 1,200 students, 103 full-time faculty, and an annual budget of $12 million.
Key Accomplishments at CFAD
• Achieved All-Steinway School status I established this as our primary development goal, and purchased the final 16 pianos
necessary to achieve All-Steinway School status.
• Established the School of Design
I worked with the Faculty Handbook Committee, where I wrote the protocol for the
creation of a new School. I then achieved approval for the School from the Department,
Faculty Senate, President, and Board of Regents. I worked with physical plant
administration and the President to identify and purchase a building adjacent to campus
to serve as the home of the new School, and worked with donors and internal financial
funding sources to identify the monies necessary to renovate the building.
• Raised first to second year retention by 11%
I identified several key areas as causes for student attrition. One of these was our lack
of advising services. When I arrived, we had one full-time academic advisor. I increased
this to three, with an additional half-time advisor dedicated to our arts education
programs. We also added scholarships for first generation college students, included
Spanish speaking FAFSA tutorials for parents, and created a scholarship specifically to
aid students in paying for arts education certification testing.
• Created fast-track programs leading to an MBA in Arts Administration, and an MA in
Museum Studies
These programs increased our enrollment in both Arts Administration and Art History. It
also allowed parents who were leery of their children taking an art degree the safety net
of an MBA as the final educational outcome.
• Achieved NASAD, NASAM, and CIDA Accreditation
• Established CFAD recruitment team
UCO had no history of recruitment by individual colleges. Because recruiting for the arts
includes specific qualifications ranging from portfolio review to auditions, our needs
were not being met by the university-wide admissions team. Each Department and
School in CFAD was pursuing recruitment without a centralized plan. I formed a
centralized team, created a new suite of admissions print materials, and made changes
to our website. We increased CFAD enrollment during a time when the overall
enrollment in the University was shrinking.
• Increased donations to CFAD by 26%
I enjoyed working with a fantastic development team. We cultivated relationships,
developed the CFAD Advisory Board, and inaugurated new events such as a whiskey
tasting, and An Evening with Jazz Ensemble One.
• Started the Dean’s Student Advisory Council
I implemented a Student Advisory Council consisting of student representatives from
each major who have direct access to myself during regularly scheduled meetings.
1987-2017: Andrews University. Career spanning Instructor to Research Professor including
13 years as Department Chair in two Colleges. Andrews University is a private university
serving about 3,000 students. It is typically listed in the top 5 most diverse campuses in
America. The Department of Visual Art, Communication and Design had 12 full-time faculty, served about 120 majors, and had a budget of $1.2 million.
Key Accomplishments at VACD
• Oversaw the merger of the Department of Communication with the Department of
Visual Art and Design
There was a vote of no confidence with the Chair of the Communication Department,
which was housed in the College of Arts and Sciences. It was determined that the
Department of Visual Art and Design would leave the College of Architecture, Art and
Design, and meld with Communication in the College of Arts and Sciences. I was
unanimously voted as the first Chair of the new Department of Visual Art,
Communication and Design, and successfully navigated this change.
• Restarted Broadcast Journalism major, built new TV production studio
As noted, the Communication Department was in disarray. I identified space, and
achieved funding for a new TV production studio, and restarted the Broadcast
Journalism major.
• Started Documentary Film program
I was instrumental in the creation of the curriculum for the Documentary Film program,
and in hiring the first faculty member in the program. Additionally, I identified and
procured space on campus for a soundstage, cameras and equipment necessary to
support the program.
Selected Awards
Award of Excellence for a Blog, Editorial, or Column. Oklahoma College Public Relations
Association, 2019.
Best of Ceramics. Michigan All Media Art Competition, St. Joseph, MI. 2014.
ACLU Prize. ArtPrize, Fountain Street Church. Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2013.
Award Finalist for Professional Ceramic Design, Niche Magazine, 2013.
Siegfried H. Horn Award for Excellence in Research and Creative Scholarship. Andrews
University, 2012.
Best of Show. Michiana Annual Art Competition, Box Factory for the Arts, St. Joseph,
Michigan. 2011.
Selected journal articles.
2006 “Up Front”, Ceramics Monthly, Oct. 2006
2002 “Portfolio,” American Craft Magazine, April/May, 2002
2001 “Wood-Fired: An American Iconography,” Ceramics Monthly, Oct. 2001
2000 “The Clay Up There,” Ceramics Monthly, Nov. 2000
1999 “Wood-Fired Realism,” Ceramics Monthly, Dec. 1999
1998 “Women Who Fire with Wood,” Ceramics Monthly, Sept. 1998
Selected workshops.
2015 Pewabic Pottery. January 24, 2015.
2015 Michigan Art Center. July 2015
2014 McHenry County College. November 2014
Selected books and exhibition catalogues.
“SOFA Chicago, 2008”, Exhibition Catalogue
“Trompe l’ Oeil”, Exhibition Catalogue, John Natsoulas Center for the Arts
“SOFA Chicago, 2007”, Exhibition Catalogue
“SOFA Chicago, 2006”, Exhibition Catalogue
The Teapot Book by Steve Woodhead. A & C Black, 2005
Extruded Ceramics by Diana Pancioli. Lark Books, 2000. pg. 25 (two works)
Magazine articles, books and exhibition catalogs featuring art works.
“Exposure”, Ceramics Monthly, November 2018, Pg. 14.
“Steve Hansen’s Trojan Vessels”, Ceramics Monthly, December 2015, Pgs. 50- 53.
“Mythologies: Propaganda and Commerce”, Ceramics Monthly, January 2009. Pgs. 6, 17.
“Featured Exhibitions from Galleries Across the Country”, compiled by Jill Ryeth. American
Contemporary Art. Sept. Oct. 2008. pg. 49
“Steve Hansen’s Ceramic Sculpture”, by Craig Adcock. Ceramics Art and Perception, Issue 73,
Sept-Nov. 2008. pg. 27-32
“’Tis Better to Give” by L’Oreal Thompson. American Style Magazine. Pg. 96
“Up Front” Ceramics by Steve Hansen at Function + Art Chicago. Ceramics Monthly, October,
2006
“Teapots: Seven Artists Pour Forth New Creations”, by Christine Kloostra. Niche Magazine,
Spring, 2005. Pg. 38, 39.
Selected Scholarly Presentations.
2013 Featured Presenter at the Michigan Ceramic Art Association Biennial Conference. Delta
College, October 11, 2013
2011 Lakeland Conference for the Fine Arts. Festival Keynote Speaker. Edwardsburg Public
School, Edwardsburg, MI. April 15, 2011
2005 “Radiator Cans and Rusted License Plates: Memories of Childhood Brought to Life in
Clay.” Michigan Mud Ceramics Conference. Albion College. Oct. 2005.
2002 “Wood-Fired: An American Iconography,” Panel Moderator, NCECA, Kansas City, MO
2000 “Wood-Fired Realism in 20 Hours or Less”. International Conference of Wood Fire
Artists, Iowa City, Iowa. Sept. 2000
Selected One-Person Exhibitions.
2014 Steve Hansen Solo: Schaller Gallery, St. Joseph, MI. Nov. 2014
2009 Mythologies & Commerce. Gallery 303, Brigham Young University
2008 Mythologies: Propaganda & Commerce, Function + Art Gallery, Chicago, Ill. Sept. 2008
2007 Akar Gallery, Iowa City, IA
2006 Function + Art Gallery, Chicago, IL
2004 Lakeside Gallery, Lakeside, MI
2004 Southwestern Michigan College, Dowagiac, MI
2004 The Box Factory for the Arts, St. Joseph, MI
2002 Steve Hansen Ceramics: AKAR Gallery, Iowa City, IA
2002 “American Kitsch Refigured”, Carnegie Center for the Arts, Three Rivers, Michigan
Pre-2000 Exhibitions available on request
Selected Group Exhibitions.
2020 Shelter, Place, Social, Distance: Contemporary Dialogues from the Permanent
Collection. Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton, MA. August 1 – November 29, 2020.
2018 Tricks of the Trade: Illusions in Craft-Based Media, Fuller Craft Museum, March 31-
Nov. 18.
2015 Vessels of Merriment. Grovewood Gallery, Ashville, N.C., October
2015 NCECA Gallery Expo: 18 Hands Gallery, Providence, RI. March
2015 Decalomania: Curated by Dan Anderson, Reese Gallery, St. Louis, MO. November
2015 Yunomi Invitational. Akar Gallery, Iowa City, IA. May
2015 Fe. Schaller Gallery, St. Joseph, MI. May
2015 The Almighty Cup: A National Juried and Invitational Exhibition. Gandee Gallery,
Fabius, NY
2015 30x5: Americano Invitational. Akar Gallery, Iowa City, IA. November
2015 Ware Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing, Pewabic Pottery, Detroit, MI. January 23-March 9
2015 Jeremy Randall and Steve Hansen, Crimson Laurel Gallery, Bakersville, N.C. June
2014 30x5: The Sushi Service. Akar Gallery, Iowa City, IA. Nov.
2014 Michigan Ceramics 2014. Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw MI. October-Nov.
2014 New Visions of the West. Whitespace Gallery, Ogden. UT. July-Sept.
2014 Notre Dame Alumni Sculpture Exhibition, South Bend Museum of Art. August –
September
2014 The Intimate Object X. Charlie Cummings Gallery, FL. September
2014 Hot Tea. Del Mano Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2014 Michigan All Media Art Competition, St. Joseph, MI. Best of Ceramic Winner. July
2014 National Teapot Show IX. Cedar Creek Gallery, North Carolina. August-Sept.
2014 Modern and Contemporary Ceramics: Anita Kay Hardy and Gregory Kaslo Collection.
Boise Art Museum, Boise, ID
2014 Yunomi Invitational. Akar Gallery, Iowa City, IA
2013 Craftforms 2013, Wayne Art Center, Wayne, PA
2013 ArtPrize, Fountain Street Church. Grand Rapids, Michigan. Winner: ACLU prize.
2013 Hot Tea. Del Mano Gallery, Los Angeles California. July-August 2013.
2013 Michiana Annual Art Competition, Box Factory for the Arts, St. Joseph, Michigan.
Winner: Best of Show.
2013 Elkhart Juried Regional. Midwest Museum of American Art, Elkhart, IN.
2013 Niche Award Finalist for Professional Ceramic Design.
2012 Michigan Ceramic Art Association Biennial Juried Exhibition. Birmingham-Bloomfield Art
Center, Birmingham, MI. October 2012. Juror’s Choice Award.
2012 The Teapot Redefined. Mobilia Gallery. Cambridge, MA. Curated exhibition. September 2012
2012 Sculpture at the Box. Regional Curated Sculpture Exhibition, sponsored by the Krasl Art
Center, St. Joseph, MI. May 2012
2011 Michiana Annual Art Competition, Box Factory for the Arts, St. Joseph, Michigan.
Winner: Best of Show, Second Place. Winner: Krasl Art Center Sculpture Award.
2011 Elkhart Juried Regional, Midwest Museum of American Art, Elkhart, Indiana. October –
December 2011
2011 Art Prize, De Vos Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan. September 21 – October 9, 2011
2011 Traditions and Innovations: Fuller Craft Museum Collects, Fuller Craft Museum,
Brockton, Mass. October 2011
2010 “Contain”, Ganton Art Gallery, Spring Arbor University, September 19 – October 17,
2010
2009 “The Infinite Teapot”, Ohio Craft Museum. February 1 – March 29, 2009.
2009 The Ohio Michigan Game: Teaching Ceramics. Pewabic Pottery, Detroit, MI. July 17 –
August 30, 2009
2009 Teapots: Interpretations. Ferrin Gallery, Pittsfield, Mass. July 11 – Sept. 5, 2009
2008 SOFA Chicago. Navy Pier, Chicago, Ill. Nov. 2008
2009 Fantasy Teapots from the Arthur Goldberg Collection. Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton,
Mass.
2008 Group Show - New Works from Gallery Artists, Pacini Lubel Gallery, Seattle, WA
2008 Trompe l’ Oeil Ceramics. John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis CA
2007 Hot Tea: 2007. Del Mano Gallery. Los Angeles, CA
2007 Teapots, Function + Art Gallery, Chicago, IL
2007 Textures, Pacini Lubel Gallery, Seattle, WA
2006 SOFA Chicago. Function + Art Gallery, Chicago, IL.
2005 Michiana Annual Art Competition. Box Factory for the Arts, St. Joseph, MI. Winner: Best
Ceramic.
2005 Earthly Treasures: Annual Holiday Invitational. Pewabic Pottery, Detroit, MI. November
11-December 31, 2005.
2005 Hot Tea! 2005. Del Mano Gallery, Los Angeles, CA. April 16 – May 20, 2005.
2005 SOFA Chicago. Function + Art Gallery, Chicago, IL. October 28 – 30, 2005.
2004 5x30, Akar Gallery, Iowa City, Iowa
2004 Steeped in Tradition, Ariana Gallery, Royal Oak, MI
2004 Regional Juried Art Exhibition, Midwestern Museum of American Art, Elkhart, In. Best of
Ceramics.
2004 Post-Industrial Romanticism, Gallery W.D.O. Charlotte, N.C. February, 2004
2003 Hot Tea, Del Mano Gallery, Los Angeles, CA. May 2003
2003 Steeped In Tradition, Ariana Gallery, Royal Oak, MI. November, 2003
2003 2 a Tea, Function + Art Gallery, Chicago, IL. Ocotber 2003
2003 Regional Juried Art Competition, Midwestern Museum of American Art, Elkhart, IN.
Award winner. Work purchased for the museum’s permanent collection.
2003 MAAC, Juried Regional Art Exhibition. Box Factory for the Arts, St. Joseph, MI. Best
Ceramic Award winner.
2002 Hot Tea, Del Mano Gallery, Los Angeles, CA. May 2002.
2002 Goshen Clay Artists’ Guild – Woodfire Invitational, Goshen, Indiana. March 2002.
2001 Clay & Glass, Atrium Gallery, Corning Community College, Corning, New York.
December 2001, January 2002.
2001 Tromp l’Oeil Ceramics, Peck Gallery, Providence, RI. Sept. 14 – Oct. 13, 2001.
2001 Juried Regional Fine Arts Competition, Fourth Place Winner, Carnegie Center for the
Arts, Three Rivers, MI
2001 Hot Tea, Del Mano Gallery, Los Angeles California
2001 The Fifth Element, Peck Gallery, Providence, R.I.
2001 Simple Commodities for an Increasingly Hectic World, Gallery WDO, Charlotte, N.C.
2000 Fantasy Tea Pots, Alianza Gallery, Boston, Mass.
2000 Hot Tea, Del Mano Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2000 Viewpoint: Ceramics 2000: A National Ceramics Competition, Hyde Gallery, El Cajon,
CA
Pre-2000 exhibitions available on request
Selected Collections.
Sonny Kamm Collection Fuller Craft Museum
American Museum of Ceramic Art Midwest Museum of American Art
University of Iowa Hospital Collection