Scott Zaher

Education:

• B.F.A. University of Akron
• M.F.A. University of Oregon

Teaching Experience:

• Neighborhood Art Center, Akron, OH
• Ohio University
• University of Oregon
• Canton Art Institute
• Malone University

Returning home to Akron after graduation was the perfect moment to turn my passion for ceramics and printmaking into something more—a way to make a living! I landed a screenprinting job at a local advertising agency, excited to put my skills to work. Little did I know, the company was on the brink of closing. But as fate would have it, an old schoolmate from Akron U., Tore Djupedal, who was teaching at the Canton Art Institute, invited me to help teach ceramics. I jumped at the opportunity and taught there until another screenprinting job came along—and when it did, I was ready. Right time, right place, right people. That new opportunity turned into something incredible. Over the years, the company grew rapidly, and so did my responsibilities. Forty-two years later, I retired as Creative Art Director from one of the nation’s leading interior/exterior graphic manufacturing companies. It was an amazing ride! But then I thought, now what?!

After catching my breath, I found myself drawn back to where it all began. I signed up for a ceramics class at the Canton Museum of Art—yes, the very place (with a new name) where I had taught all those years ago. Right time, right place, right people. One class led to another, and eventually, I was invited to join the Guild. Now, I get to dust off my skills, share my knowledge, and continue growing as a ceramic artist.

My approach to clay is ever-evolving, shifting between throwing and hand-building to create utilitarian, decorative, and sculptural pieces. I lean toward clean, simple forms with minimal embellishment—less is more. And Raku firing? That’s where the magic happens! It’s always a thrilling process, full of surprises—some amazing, some not so much, but always exciting.

The Canton Ceramic Artist Guild (CCAG) is an extraordinary community, a symphony of artists, each bringing their unique voice to clay. The synergy among members and the fantastic facilities at the CMA make this a dream environment to nurture creativity and passion for art. I couldn’t ask for a better place to keep this journey going!