My name is Joel Cherrico and I graduated from CSB/SJU in 2010 with a degree in Art. I studied pottery, sculpture, installation and kiln design. I’ve wanted to work as a production potter since early in my Freshman year.  I worked for 2 years out at JD Jorgenson Pottery, which taught me first hand about the hard work and dedication involved in starting a studio.  JD’s work ethic and dedication to natural materials inspired me to explore an earthen aesthetic while working on a large scale. In the end of my third year in college, I switched from pottery production to abstract sculpture; this led to the start of my senior thesis and Mindscape.

After exploring abstract sculpture and installation, I felt compelled to return to pottery with my new aesthetic interests.  I think this was because I wanted to create artwork that people could eat and drink from everyday, with a goal of making pottery that embodied the “awe factor” of Mindscape.  I focused on pottery production for the second half of my senior thesis, working closely with my ceramics professor Samuel Johnson.  My honors thesis committee also included numerous critiques and a thesis defense with Sam, Art professor Rachel Melis, and Artist in Resident Richard Bresnahan.  As I returned to pottery production, I also began taking business and entrepreneurship classes under professor Paul Marsnik to answer the next question looming over my head: how can I make a living off of my artwork?

After graduating, I received a Post-Bac. Artist Residency from the college. This allowed me to make pottery full time, while using sales of my artwork to support a small business venture.  The McNeely Entrepreneurship Center at St. Johns University awarded me a small business loan to help start the venture, and I spent the next working as a full time potter.

I currently work as a Resident Artist at the Paramount Arts Center in St. Cloud, MN. I showcase pottery in the Paramount Art Gallery and at Art festivals all around the Midwest. I also make work for the Local Blend coffee shop in downtown St. Joseph, MN.  Stop in for a meal and you can eat and drink from the pottery!