The 'Evolution' of Vilya Thomas
Published:Sunday | November 20, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Ceramic artist Vilya Thomas, who has shared group exhibitions with many of Jamaica's renowned potters, including Jean Bushay, Donald and Belva Johnson, Lutalo Makonzi, Everard Powell, Maxine Gray and Margaret McGhie, recently hosted her first solo exhibition. It was staged at Olympia Gallery, Old Hope Road, St Andrew.
Titled 'Evolution', the exhibition featured nearly 50 pieces, mostly recent works.
Noted for their unusual style and blending of functionality with artistry, a number of Thomas' works are in the collections of the Bank of Jamaica, and the offices and homes of corporate and private collectors in Jamaica, Canada, the United States, the Bahamas, Mexico, the Eastern Caribbean, and many other countries.
Among other academic and professional qualifications, in 2004 Vilya Thomas earned a diploma in ceramics at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. In her final year of study, she received the Association of Jamaica Potters bursary for 'high academic achievement', and, on graduation, won the award for being the most outstanding student, and the Cecil Baugh Award for distinction in ceramics. In 2010, her certificate in ceramics was upgraded to a bachelor of fine arts degree.