FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The Lyons Share Gallery is proud to present the works of artist Jake Ollinger.

Ollinger is a young artist with a passion for ceramic creations. His love of ceramics was born seven years ago, and his work began demanding attention during his high school years.

His senior year, 2006, he received the “Outstanding Artist” award from Bayside Academy in Daphne.

“My love, my passion and my focus always has been and always will be with ceramics,” explains Ollinger.

From July 28 through the First Friday ArtWalk on Aug. 1, Ollinger will be the featured artist at The Lyons Share Gallery. He will spend that week inside the gallery, sharing and demonstrating his creative process.

It’s an amazing chance to see an artist at work.  Ollinger will be throwing whole pots and pieces on the wheel. He will cut and alter pieces to add finishing touches to sculptural work.

When Ollinger is home in Fairhope, he focuses on Raku pottery, which is created with a specific ceramic firing process that uses both fire and smoke to create unique patterns and designs.

While at school, he has a multitude of firing techniques from which to choose including wood, soda and high-fire gas reduction.

His works have garnered numerous local, regional and national awards, including two first place awards from the Mobile Museum of Art.

In 2005 Ollinger was featured in a cover article of Southern Living’s “Alabama People and Places.”

In the fall, Ollinger will return to Clemson University to pursue a bachelor of fine arts degree.

For more information, contact The Lyons Share Gallery at (251) 928-2507, or visit www.lyonsshareart.com.

The Lyons Share is located at 330 De La Mare Ave. in Fairhope.