GULF SHORES, Ala. — Faulkner State Community College at Gulf Shores is very proud of Steven Dark, adjunct art instructor. Dark will be exhibiting his ceramic collections at Booth A62 at the Shrimp Fest on the public beach boulevard which is becoming known as the Beach Place. 

Dark brings a most impressive resume to the Shrimp Festival, both in academic and exhibitor areas. He has juried exhibits all over the South and a solo exhibit, “Steven Dark Ceramicas”  in 2000 at the National Bank Gallery, Parana, Argentina.

His expanded portfolio defies being restricted to a single syllabus. Dark can be described as a Renaissance man whose work takes him beyond technique and aesthetics to the realm of philosophy. His philosophy is “Art is an intellectual pursuit.” 

One does not have to have preparatory courses in metaphysics to understand Dark’s position and aims: his methods and presentations will reach the general population. In his own words: “With regard to the art appreciation I teach, I attempt to provide the non-art majors with broadest range of issues and experiences possible. I begin with a thorough introduction to the basic elements of design, stylistic diversity and technical considerations of the various mediums. I follow this with a chronological survey of the history of visual art, including the art of indigenous peoples and outsider art. I end the semester with lecture on the nature of art criticism and contemporary aesthetics.” 

Dark is still fond of techniques and the potter’s wheel, but it takes only a short time to discover his fondness for folk art (such as lower Appalachian jug potters) and his “impish” nature. There is something “Darkish” in his work, wherein after he has thrown a ceramic piece, he “throws himself” into it and it becomes his signature. He calls his modifications “my offbeat sense of humor and curiosity toward the medium and subject matter.”

He has a depth of skills and philosophy which enables him to make the impossible look easy. With some care you may see some of his figures floating in unboated sluices like the one off Windmill Road. Turn left just over the bridge.

Dark’s exhibit is only one of many worthy exhibits, yet his connection is with a fine institution, Faulkner State Community College, which is trying to find ways to serve the local community better. As Faulkner first year sketching class student Madison Morris said ,“This is a wonderful experience.”