Anna Burke is a studio artist rooted the ceramic material process. Her work flows between functional and sculptural objects, and examines perceived reality in changing environments.
Her work has been exhibited in juried shows across the United States. She has taught Clay Modeling and Fabrication courses at Lawrence Technological University and was a long-term resident artist at The Glastonbury Collective in Northwest Detroit, Michigan. Complimenting her artistic practice, Anna worked in the design studios at Ford Motor Company as an automotive clay sculptor.
Artist Statement
My work examines the reality and interpretation of our surroundings. Drawing from the natural environment in contrast to the built world, I am interested in the overlooked fragments of nature and how they remerge through imitation. Decoy is the first in a series of these explorations.
My fabrication methodologies have been informed by my experience in prototype design and development. Sketches exist in 2D and 3D, between paper and screen. Ideas become physical in clay or plaster. I generate the model by throwing, turning, sledging, or carving. A mold is crafted; an object is cast. I create work in short-run collections.
CV
Education
2026 - Present
Master of Fine Arts Candidate in Ceramics, anticipated completion 2028
New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, Alfred, New York
2023
Master of Business Administration
University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, Michigan
2017
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Ceramics
New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, Alfred, New York
Selected Group Exhibitions
2026
Detroit Dialogues: Automotive Design & Studio Ceramics, Eastern Michigan University,
Ypsilanti, Michigan. NCECA Concurrent Exhibition
Ceramics x Fiber, Boyer-Campbell Building, Detroit, Michigan
NCECA Concurrent Exhibition
Craft & Form, ArtClvb x GW Home, Detroit, Michigan.
NCECA Concurrent Exhibition
Mug Madness, Saltstone Ceramics, Seattle, Washington
Michigan Annual LIII, Anton Art Center, Mt. Clemens, Michigan
2025
Objects, Sofas & Waffles, ArtClvb x Floyd, Detroit, Michigan
Emerging Women Artists of Metro Detroit, Anton Art Center Mt. Clemens, Michigan
Mug Madness, Saltstone Ceramics, Seattle, Washington
Varied Vessel, Ann Arbor Art Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Michigan Annual LII, Anton Art Center, Mt. Clemens, Michigan
2024
Holding: Honoring the Ceramic Cup, Ann Arbor Art Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
2023
FIRED/ON, Saratoga Clay Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, New York
Running on Flower Power, The Glastonbury Collective, Detroit, Michigan
Everything Must Go, Public Pool, Hamtramck, Michigan
2022
The Cup, The Mug, Invited Artist, Main Street Arts, Clifton Springs, New York
Mug Madness, Saltstone Ceramics, Seattle, Washington
Sip, Savannah Clay Community, Savannah, Georgia
Awards
2023
Global Jesuit Business Student Association Achievement Graduate Award
University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, Michigan
2017
Lisa Elwell Ceramic Artist Endowed Encouragement Award, NYSCC @ Alfred University
2016
Peter's Valley School of Craft Scholarship, NYSCC at Alfred University
2013
Sue Adkins Memorial Art Scholarship, Professional Women of the Finger Lakes, New York
Press
2022
Howard, P. (2022, December 1), Artists inside Detroit home have unique auto job machines can't match, Detroit Free Press. Detroit, Michigan.
Article
Photo Essay
2026
Stratton, L. (2026, April 14). Driven to sculpture: A new exhibition at EMU highlights nine artists who work in the auto industry. A2 Pulp - Arts around Ann Arbor; Ann Arbor District Library.
Article
Resources & Links
Glaze Recipe: Katz-Burke Matte, Cone 6, https://glazy.org/recipes/16540
The Glastonbury Collective, Detroit, MI https://www.glastonburycollective.com/