UWF Art Graduate’s Ceramic Quilt Chosen for NCECA’s 2025 Student Juried Exhibition
August 19, 2025 | By River Fundock, Student Intern, Department of Communication | Edited by Karen Tibbals, CASSH Communications Coordinator
Alyssa Zavocki, a 2024 graduate of the University of West Florida (UWF), has received significant recognition for her ceramics work. Her ceramic quilt, displayed at the Pensacola Museum of Art for the 2023 SynThesis exhibition, was selected for the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) 2025 Student Juried Exhibition at the 59th Annual Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. This prestigious honor highlights her unique artistic journey and the skills developed during her time at UWF’s College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (CASSH).
Zavocki entered UWF with a broad interest in the arts but was uncertain about her career path. “Like many 18-year-olds, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do,” she reflects. Although passionate about art, she initially viewed it as more of a hobby. Her decision to double major in Communication (focusing on Advertising and Public Relations) and Studio Art (specializing in Ceramics) came after a conversation with her art advisor, Marzia Ransom an instructor with the Department of Art and Design, who encouraged her to combine her interests into a dual path. “I’m so grateful for the advice she gave me,” Zavocki says. The broad range of courses she took helped shape her artistic approach, enabling her to integrate communication and writing skills into her sculptural work and providing her with a well-rounded perspective on both art and business.
Alyssa expressed a tremendous work ethic and passion for her art during her time at UWF. It was a pleasure to watch her grow as an artist. - Caroline Ennis, Department of Art and Design
Zavocki’s first experience with ceramics came through the Intro to Ceramics class with Justin Grubb, formerly with the Department of Art and Design. She quickly fell in love with the medium, drawn to its narrative potential. “I had been oil painting up until then, but clay is so much more involved. I likely wouldn’t have discovered it if I hadn’t been required to take the class,” she admits. Grubb’s approach, which emphasized the storytelling aspects of clay, resonated deeply with her. “I loved how he used narrative elements in his work,” she notes. This introduction sparked her continued exploration of ceramics as her primary artistic medium.
In addition to ceramics, Zavocki found courses such as Women in Art and Art Theory pivotal in developing her artistic voice and professional skills. These classes not only helped her refine her concepts but also taught her to communicate about her art professionally. Zavocki’s work, which often reflects her experiences as a woman, is deeply influenced by the stories of women who paved the way for her to express herself through art. “These classes helped me understand the importance of art history, especially the stories that might not always be included in mainstream narratives,” she explains.
Throughout her time at UWF, Zavocki worked extensively, participating in art shows, internships, and markets to prepare herself for the competitive art world. One of the most rewarding experiences was being selected for the Arrowmont Windgate Scholarship during her junior year, which funded a five-day intensive clay workshop in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This experience exposed her to a community of talented artists and gave her invaluable exposure to new techniques. “It was an amazing experience, and I’m so thankful to the Art Department for selecting me,” Zavocki says. In her senior year, Zavocki worked closely with her mentor, Caroline Ennis (Ritter), Instructor and Ceramics Lab Supervisor, to develop her exit show. Ennis’s consistent feedback and her peers' input were instrumental in helping her refine both her sculptures and her artist statement.
Zavocki’s advice to students pursuing a career in art is simple but impactful: “Use the resources available to you!” She encourages students to explore new mediums and push themselves beyond their comfort zones. “Don’t be afraid of rejection,” she adds.
You might get rejected from a show one year and win first place the next—it’s all part of the process. - Alyssa Zavocki, '24
Zavocki also stresses the importance of staying true to what inspires you. “Success looks different for everyone. For me, the most satisfying part of my artistic journey has been creating work that I’m proud of, not just work that will do well at the next show or market.” Zavocki’s success at NCECA is a testament to her dedication to both her craft and her artistic growth. “If it weren’t for the conversations I had with my friends in the ceramic studio, the class critiques, or even the sometimes painful readings for my art history classes, I don’t think my artistic development would have been the same,” she reflects. “Having a strong portfolio and artist statement [is essential], but the experiences [I had during my time at UWF] are where it all started.”
Learn more about opportunities to begin or enhance your career in the field of Art at UWF’s Department of Art and Design here.
