Doris C Petersham

Doris Peterhsam/ Brief Bio 2012
Background
Academically, I hold Master of Fine Arts Degree in Ceramics and Textile Design. Since 1978, Doris and the late Miska Petersham resided in many countries while working as field experts on ceramic, textile and general handcraft projects for both CARE International and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) out of Vienna, Austria.
Prior to the overseas assignments, they both taught at various Universities in the US as well as being producing artist craftsmen. They both served in the United States Peace Corps in the Fiji Islands in the late 70s. It was the Government of Fiji ceramic project that was then undertaken by UNIDO, and thus followed by a number of other contracts with UNIDO in other countries around the world. A listing of the professional experiences can be supplied upon request.
In 1998, Doris returned to the US from Tanzania after completing her assignment there and became a resident of Elkin, North Carolina. “I very much enjoy living in Elkin and the life style it affords.” I occasionally work short term advisory assignments for UNIDO and ITC-UNCTAD (International Trade Center- United Nations Center for Trade and Development). These missions are now mostly in African countries and deal for the most part with enhancing the products made by women entrepreneur’s who operate small scale textile businesses.
Although a potter and textile designer, with some computer skills, I have returned to my first love, CLAY with all it’s glorious aspects. My work is full of color, whimsy and has both contemporary and heritage aspects. My current work that includes a Safari series, has turned into pots that evoke an image of African women and their textile designs as well as functional ware, truly a part of my past.
I currently serve on the board, immediate past president, of the Yadkin Valley Craft Guild and an advisory committee for Surry Community College in starting a professional crafts program. I recently served six years on the Foothills Arts Council. I am a member of the Carolina Clay Guild, Potters Council of America, Sawtooth Center for VIsual Arts and NCECA. I show in numerous galleries and have pieces in major collections, lists available upon request.
I mentored a number of apprentices in the context of the YVCG Mentor Apprentice Program…an educational economic development effort by the Guild to assist with employment generation in the Yadkin Valley watershed region.
I can be reached at 274 Church St., Elkin. North Carolina 28621. My landline is 336 835 7163 or cell 336 575 5699, email; dpetersham@yahoo.com, Web site: dorispetersham.com and Handmade in America.org.