Al Holen
Alisa (AL) Holen is an artist and educator who received an MA and an MFA in Ceramics from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. She has since taught ceramics and sculpture at numerous institutions including University of Iowa, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Augustana College, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse and Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, MS. She is currently a tenure track assistant professor of art at the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville, IN.
Born and raised in Minneapolis with a father (Norman D. Holen) who is a sculptor and art professor, she was introduce to both functional and sculptural art early. Her childhood home is filled with stunning sculptural art displayed with curatorial acumen. However, the tableware of Warren Mackenzie, peter Leach, and Chuck Halling captured her imagination as the works were still beautiful, but she was allowed to touch and use them!
Alisa Holen strongly advocates using art to engage the community and organizes yearly “Empty Bowls” events to raise money for local charities and to introduce people to working with clay.
