Russellville, Ark., potter, painter, and educator Soyoon Ahn will display her exhibit, "Ancient Soul, Modern Touch: A Dialogue Across Time," in the University of the Ozarks' Stephens Gallery through Feb. 20 as part of the University's Artist of the Month Series.

There will be a reception to meet the artist from 6-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, in the gallery, located in the Walton Fine Arts Center in Clarksville. There is no cost to view the exhibit and it is open to the public when classes are in session from 9-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Ahn serves as an adjunct professor of art at University of the Ozarks and Arkansas Tech University in Russellville.

She said she draws her inspiration from Korean folk art, Minwha. With over 12 years of experience in creating functional pottery, she has explored ways to integrate traditional Korean folk painting designs into modern American ceramics.

"My artistic practice is centered on the movement of 'modernizing tradition.' I am deeply intrigued by how ancient techniques such as traditional Korean pottery and Korean folk painting can be reimagined through a contemporary lens to speak to the future," she said. "I work across the mediums of ceramics and painting to find a natural way to bring these two worlds together. In my ceramic work, I embrace the unpredictability of the fire, creating functional pieces intended for daily use. In contrast, my Korean folk paintings, Minwha, offer a sense of calm through controlled, delicate brushwork. Both practices are inspired by a desire to draw elements from nature and imbue them with a refined Korean aesthetic."

Ahn said she views her work as a "platform for community and connection."

"The most rewarding moments of my career occur when people from diverse backgrounds connect with my pieces, allowing Korean aesthetics to become a part of their everyday narratives. Through this exhibition I invite you to experience the harmony between the earthy spontaneity of clay and the intricate details of tradition. I continue my journey of creating art that makes the ancient feel present and the personal feel universal."

Throughout her career, she has received several awards for her ceramics and Korean folk paintings.

In 2024 she established her art studio 'Atelier A' in downtown Russellville. There she fosters community through pottery classes covering wheel-throwing, hand-building, and surface decoration. Her works are represented at prestigious venues including Boswell-Mourot Fine Art Gallery in Little Rock, Historic Arkansas Museum Store, and Arkansas Craft Guild Gallery in Mountain View, Ark.

Topics: Art