About

Bio

As a child I dreamed of growing up to be a writer. Intrigued by the heroics of Nancy Drew and her chums, I was lured into the world of solving crimes, discovering the hidden treasure map, or rescuing the desperate widow from her greedy ne'er-d o-well nephews; however, a summer school pottery class at my local community college changed my plans and ultimately decided my future.

I fell in love with the tactile qualities of clay - malleable in the wet state, rock hard and functional after being fired- I continued my studies, graduating from the University of California at Santa Cruz earning a degree in Community Studies with an emphasis in Art Therapy - worked at a state mental hospital, then later traveled to Europe. While in Florence, I made a conscious decision that upon my eventual return to the States, I would focus all my energy on becoming a potter.

I enrolled at Humboldt State University where I continued to hone my skills in centering, throwing, glazing, firing and most importantly, developing a critical eye. I was hired to fire kilns, which gave me the experience and confidence I needed to eventually leave the security of the college environment.

As a fledgling potter, I worked part time and threw pots during all of my spare time, working in several local pottery studios before building my own shop. I currently work out of my home in an attached two-car garage. After over twenty five years of wedging, centering, throwing, and trimming clay, then glazing and firing the pots, I still find the process fascinating, challenging and rewarding. I may not be writing about nabbing villains, but my life is equally exciting.

Read an in depth interview with me at Handful of Salt.


Image description
Peggy Loudon working on a wheel thrown vase

Exhibits and Shows

Smithsonian Craft Show, Washington DC, 2011
Washington Craft Show, Washington DC, 2010
Connections, Weyrich Gallery, Albuquerque, NM 2010
Threshold, Piante Gallery, Eureka, CA 2010
14 Feet, Healdsburg, CA 2010
American Craft Council, San Francisco, CA 2003-2011
First Street Gallery, Regional Invitational, Eureka, CA 1998-1999, 2003-2010
Humboldt Artisans, Eureka, CA 1983-2010
Beaux Zoo - First Street Gallery, Eureka, CA 2008

A display of Louden ceramics

Sausalito Arts Festival - Sausalito, CA 2005 Ceramics 1st place, 2005-2008
Affaire in the Garden, Beverly Hills, CA 2008
American Craft Council, Baltimore, Maryland 2007
Smithsonian Craft Show, Washington DC 2003, 2004, 2005
Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show 2005
California Transformation, Gumps, San Francisco, CA 2004
Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival, Mill Valley, CA 2001-2003
Bellevue Art Museum, Bellevue, Washington 2003
Gallery Dog, Eureka, CA 2001
Ignited, Plaza Design, Arcata, CA 1997
Inner River, Humboldt Arts Council, Eureka, CA 1996
Tribute to Peggy Loudon, Candy Stick Gallery, Ferndale, CA 1994
Candy Stick Gallery, Ferndale, CA July 1993
Plaza Design, Arcata, CA July 1991
Art Center Summer Ceramic Invitational , Eureka, CA 1990

 

 

Education

Post Graduate Education, Ceramics Studies, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA 1975-1983
Bachelor of Arts, Community Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 1974
College of the Redwoods, Eureka, California Undergraduate Pottery, 1970-1972

Collections

College of the Redwoods, Eureka, CA
Morris Graves Museum of Art, Eureka, CA,
San Jose Museum of Modern Art, San Jose, CA
My work has been purchased and has traveled to many parts of the world including: Japan, Australia, Norway, Italy, France, Scotland, Ireland, Mexico, Germany and Sweden.

 

Teaching

Fire Arts Center, Beginning to Advanced Ceramics, Arcata, CA 1999-present
Ceramics workshop, Humboldt State University 2005
North coast Cultural Trust Grantee, California 2002
Arts in the Afternoon Teen Outreach, Co-Coordinator Arcata, CA 2000-2002
Artist-In-Residence, California Arts Council 2000-2001
Wheel Throwing and Glazing, Humboldt State University, 1994
Lab Assistant and Kiln Firer, Ceramics Department, Humboldt State University, 1979-1983
Recreation Therapist Intern, Napa State Hospital, California 1974


Peggy Loudon teaching ceramics

 Awards and Recognition

Victor Jacoby Award 2010
American Craft Council Award of Excellence, Booth Design, 2010
Ceramics Today, Schiffer Books, 2010
Niche Award Finalist 2006
First Place Ceramics, Sausalito Arts Festival, 2005