Derek Decker graduated from Edinboro University in 2012, with his M.F.A. in Ceramics. Since graduating he has been teaching at IPFW (Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne), with a short stint last Semester at University of Saint Francis, also in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Now, he is back at IPFW, working as a lecturer for the Department of Fine Arts.
While in these positions he has had the opportunities to teach Design Fundamentals 1, Mold Making and Slip Casting, Drawing for Non-Majors, Advanced Sculpture, Advanced Ceramics, and 3D Design Fundamentals.
Currently at IPFW, he is a liaison for the Fine Arts Department in regards to a program called "Collegiate Connection". This program offers college level courses in Art for area high school students, which is also for dual credit through IPFW. Derek makes appointments with those area high schools that are offering the Art courses. He is responsible for observing the schools, as well as their students to make sure the university standards are being met, in regards to both the quality of instruction and quality of student work.
Derek also serves on an Artist Panel for ArtLink, which is a contemporary art gallery in Fort Wayne. He acts as a juror and helps determine what exhibitions and work will be presented to the public. Last spring, he was asked to be a juror for the 3-D in the Scholastic Achievement Awards for the Region, held at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.
His opportunities at IPFW and the University of Saint Francis have allowed him to continue making his work. He has also set up a studio at home and continues to exhibit his work regionally and nationally.
In the last two years Derek has participated in eight shows, five of which were national exhibitions. This past year he was juried into the 20th San Angelo National Ceramic Competition, in San Angelo, Texas; Regional Impact: Works from Regional Campus Faculties in Richmond, Indiana; National Craft Exhibition, at ArtLink in Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Dereliction/Reanimate, a Juried Exhibition at Buckham Gallery in Flint, Michigan.
"Currently I am trying to finish up three new pieces. With teaching it's always hard finding the time around the busy schedule of daily life, but that's what graduate school prepared me so well for," said Derek.
Check out more of Derek's work at: www.deckerceramics.com/
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