ONU ART & DESIGN ON LINKEDIN__Congratulations to Ohio Northern University professors Luke Sheets, professor of art & design, and Bruce Chesser, professor emeritus of art & design, for having work selected to the Ohio Designer Craftsmen “Best of 2025” exhibition.

The “Best of 2025” exhibition showcases work from around the state. The juror, Michele Tuegel, selected 81 works from almost 400 entries, highlighting contemporary functional, sculptural, and decorative approaches in various media. The exhibition is on view at the Ohio Craft Museum from May 5 to July 5, 2025.

Prof. Chesser specializes in contemporary interpretations of traditional functional ceramics. He is a retired professor of art at Ohio Northern where he taught ceramics for over 30 years. He also served as chair of the department of art & design for 12 years. Previously, he taught at Ohio University, Athens. He holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in fine arts from OU and has participated in more than 100 juried, invitational and one-person art shows. Prof. Chesser also has conducted numerous workshops and lectures on salt-glazing and raku pottery.

Professor Sheets is an Ohio native, working in clay for about 30 years. After completing his BFA in ceramics at Ohio Northern, Luke worked in his own studio creating and firing wood-fired work. In 2000, he received his MFA in ceramics from BGSU. Since that time, he has lived and worked in Middlebury, Vermont, where he served as Resident Potter at Frog Hollow Vermont State Craft Center and taught ceramics for Middlebury College. Then, he moved to Kanazawa, Japan, to teach, work, and exhibit independently. In 2005, Luke returned to Ohio where he currently teaches ceramics, sculpture, and small metals at Ohio Northern. He is currently the program lead for art & design at Ohio Northern and head of their 3D studio program. Luke’s studio practice involves research into glaze chemistry, exploring the various effects possible by wood firing at different temperatures, and the use of local materials to create a stronger sense of place in the work. His research has led him to present at both national and international conferences as well as the opportunities to participate in international residencies. His work is exhibited locally, nationally, and internationally.