Meet the Artist: Phoenix College Student Rich Runyan

Rich Runyan

The annual Phoenix College Holiday Art Sale will feature original arts and crafts created by PC students, staff and faculty. Come out to the Eric Fischl Gallery on December 7-8 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and support our talented Phoenix College artists while finding great holiday gifts for everyone on your list.

Reminder: only cash will be accepted as payment.

Also, take time to meet the artists who will be selling their pieces. Read their thoughts and comments in the Q & A below.

Rich Runyan, PC Ceramics student

What type of art do you do?

I’ve taken almost every art course and now I’m focused on ceramics. You get addicted to clay. It’s like riding a bicycle. You struggle, struggle, struggle then one day off you go.

What is it about working with clay that you enjoy most?

Clay is three-dimensional. Clay lends itself to sculpture and as functional ware. Sometimes I like to sculpt. There’s also mixed media where you can incorporate wood and metal. There’s always a challenge, something new you can do. It’s something you can do that is yours, especially with the glazes.

Why are you taking art courses at Phoenix College?

The faculty and students have always been friendly and helpful. The ceramics program is not your typical classroom. The instructors are supportive and knowledgeable. And I like the one-on-one relationships you can develop here.