FIGURATIVE ASSOCIATION SYMPOSIUM

April 24, 2022

The Figurative Association Symposium is a quadrennial conference held at Arrowmont with a focus on figurative works. The Symposia attracts those who are interested in applied skills and theoretical concerns in the field of figurative craft objects.

In 2010, Arrowmont presented the first Figurative Association Symposium: The Human Form for ceramic artists and enthusiasts. Originally intended to be a companion conference to the renowned Utilitarian Clay Symposia, the focus was expanded in the second Figurative Association Symposium in 2014 to include figurative sculpture in all media. In 2018, the third Figurative Association Symposium welcomed all disciplines — including 2D, 3D, and expanded media.

Figurative Symposium founder, Bill Griffith, said of the event:

“Some of the most meaningful experiences at the symposiums come in conversations during meals and happen in the exchanges among participants. The demonstrations and panel discussions provide information and inspiration, offering opportunities to better understand intent, content and technique from those artists working in different media. The consideration of the human figure provides a focus, but with unlimited possibilities for exploration and interpretation. My hope is that those in attendance will make more than connections — and they will connect, will do more than “network” — they will share, even when sharing is about more than agreeing.”

The Figurative Association Symposium is a four-day event that brings together 10 internationally renowned presenters and a keynote speaker who give lectures, demonstrations and panel discussions to a community of up to 200 symposia participants. Supporting exhibitions include a National invitational and symposium presenters exhibit, student juried exhibit, and more.