Eva Funderburgh

Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild graduate

Eva Funderburgh had never actually contemplated a career in the arts until she was introduced to Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild through a talk given in her high school ceramics class.

“It was at Manchester that I first started considering art, and ceramics in particular, as a possible career path. The two years that I went to Manchester, I grew quite a lot, both artistically and personally.”

Developing Her Skills

Eva attended the Guild during her junior and senior years, and remembers her experience at the Guild as a valuable contribution to her development as an artist. In 2000, she was encouraged to apply to the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts. When she returned from PGSA, the Guild helped her present a two-person exhibition with another PGSA student. She also got a chance to go to the 2001 National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts.

“Manchester offered me excellent opportunities. I enjoyed working with all of the staff; they vastly expanded my experience with ceramics. I learned more about raku, and more about various other types of firings.”

Eva is currently a graduating senior at Carnegie Mellon University, studying both chemistry and sculpture. She plans to enter an apprenticeship with a functional potter next year, most likely in Los Angeles.

Eva's Advice

“If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone attending the Guild, it would be to enjoy your time at Manchester. Make as much use of the facilities and the wonderful teachers as you can. Manchester is a rare place. Don’t take it for granted.”