Collection: Al Holen

Evansville, IN

Alisa (Al) Holen is an artist and educator who received an MA and an MFA in ceramics from the University of Iowa (Iowa City). She is currently a professor of art in ceramics at the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville, IN.

Born and raised in Minneapolis, MN with a sculptor and art professor father (Norman D. Holen), she was introduced to both functional and sculptural art early. Her childhood home is filled with beautiful sculptural art displayed with curatorial acumen. Additionally, the tableware of Warren Mackenzie, Peter Leach, and Chuck Halling captured her imagination as the works were beautiful, and she was allowed to touch and use them! These influences have resulted in a desire to make functional work with a sculptural presence. Her ceramic work focuses on formal and metaphorical relationships, often staging forms in postures of dependency, elevation, support, aggression, or comfort. Her work is nearly always functional while maintaining a strong sculptural presence.