#66 Vase; 8.5”h x 5.5”w x 4.25”d, Made in 2024, Stoneware casting slip, Mason Stains, clear glaze (interior)

Carol Wright’s professional career has covered the fine arts and design world, from both creative and business aspects. After her graduation from VCU with a BFA in Painting, Ms. Wright hit the road to California with the intent to pursue an MFA. Somehow that all changed course and she entered the furniture program at California College of Arts. This was a wonderful experience for her, flexing different muscles and leaning into design, a lifelong interest, but never formally studied. This was a fertile time in San Francisco with the burgeoning DIY Maker’s movement creating excitement all across the city. Wright joined a group of local furniture makers called Launchpad that organized exhibitions with retailers and galleries, all of this pre-social media. Her work was represented at retailers in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

        Wright then transitioned to the corporate design world managing wholesale accounts for global brands. Again this was a great experience where she learned more about manufacturing, presentation, and design history. Her customers were museum shops such as LACMA, MOMA, and SFMOMA, as well as independent retailers. Corporate fringe benefits included visits to the Alessi headquarters in Italy and the Vitra Campus in Germany.

        After twenty four years in the Bay Area, Wright recently returned to her hometown of Richmond, with a goal of transitioning back to art. Ceramics seemed a natural fit based on her education, interests, and work experience, combining function with craft. Her studio is located at the maker space and gallery Shockoe Bottom Clay.