Clay Art Center Shop presents handmade functional pottery by Bobby Scroggins. Shop teapots, mugs, bowls, and more!
Clay Art Center Shop is pleased to present a selection of handmade ceramics by artist Bobby Scroggins, available throughout Black History Month from February 1 - March 1, 2026. Working from his recently constructed home studio in Kentucky, Bobby’s work investigates balances, stating in part that his studio practice focuses on “A way of working that requires the formulation and achievement of substantial goals but also allows me to recognize, and perhaps respond creatively to those unexpected occurrences that the unenlightened call, "Accidents". A way of sharing that clears paths and opens doors to young artists with similar dreams. A way of seeing and discerning that comprehends the ways and trends of the world but requires that I stay in touch with that "still small voice within". A way of living that, like my art, can bear my signature without bearing my name.”
Artist Bio
Born and raised in Kansas City, Mo., Bobby Scroggins developed an interest in the visual arts at a young age. Throughout his teens he developed his skills as a sculptor and painter, going on to study at The Kansas City Art Institute, where he received a BFA. While a student there he was commissioned to create The Leon M. Jordan Monument in Kansas City. This was the first public monument to be erected to an African American leader in the state of Missouri, and also the first public monument to be constructed by an African American artist in that state. He went on to achieve an MFA in the field of sculpture from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in 1980 where he was a University and Ford Foundation Fellow. Since then Bobby has received public commissions and his works have received awards such as first place purchase award in The Atlanta Life Insurance Company's National Art Competition.
Scroggins’ ceramic vessels and mixed media sculptures have been featured in exhibitions throughout the U.S. In 1990 he joined the art department at the University of Kentucky as head of Ceramics, and was promoted to full professor in 2015. From 1993-95 he served as Director-at-Large for The National Council on Education for The Ceramic Arts (NCECA). He has served on the visual art faculty of the Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts for seven years; two of which were spent as chairman of the visual art division. In 2003 and 2004 he served as chairman of the ceramics and sculpture pilot programs at The Northwest Academy of the Arts in Donegal, Northern Ireland, and Derry, Northern Ireland. His ceramic sculptures have been featured books such as the 4th edition of The Craft and Art of Clay, and Contemporary Ceramics by Susan Peterson. Recently three of his works were selected for inclusion in, "Shades of Clay", a traveling exhibition shown at museums throughout the U.S.