Walter Hyleck

Born 1942 Beloit, Wisconsin

EDUCATION

1967     BA Art, Art History, Cum Laude, University of Minnesota, Duluth, Minnesota

1967       MFA Ceramics, Art History, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana

PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE

1967-2008 Professor of Ceramics, Berea College, Berea, Kentucky

1970 Founded Ceramic Apprenticeship Program, Berea College, Berea, Kentucky

1983 United States Representative, First U.S. International Ceramic Symposium, Memphis Academy of Art. Memphis, Tennessee

1984-onward  Morris B. Belknap Chair of Fine Art, Berea College, Berea, Kentucky

BIOGRAPHY

Walter Hyleck is known for earthenware sculptural assemblages of wheel thrown, slab and cast components as well as wheel thrown functional pottery. In the 1960s work reflected social consciousness and included installation art. Hyleck's work included monumental scale sculptures, installations and domestic scale functional pottery made for everyday use. Surface techniques evolved over his career and include, carving, use of colored Egyptian paste, and ash glaze.

When Hyleck entered graduate school he encountered Glen Nelson. Born and trained in Denmark, Nelson brought to his students at Tulane University, his Scandinavian ethics and the traditions of ceramists working in industry. Upon graduation, at an interview for a position at Berea College, Hyleck was asked a question. His answer materialized three years later when Hyleck founded the Berea College Ceramic Apprenticeship Program. Hyleck credits Nelson’s influence for preparing him to answer the interview question found and continue to develop the Program over many years.

Hyleck was a professor of ceramics at Berea College for 40 years. He was an active member of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA)