Local artist honored by international publication - published December 4, 2025

Installation view, Andréa Keys Connell: Pattern Mapping (June 28 - November 29, 2025), Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. Photo Josh White

Story Written by: Nick Fogleman

WATAUGA — Ceramic artist and Appalachian State University professor Andréa Keys Connell was selected as one of the artists featured in Ceramics Now’s upcoming 15th anniversary edition, a special international publication set for release in December.

Ceramics Now, an online and print journal highlighting contemporary work in the field, received more than 950 submissions from 73 countries for the anniversary issue. From those, 24 artists were chosen to represent the publication’s description of the most forward-thinking work in ceramics today.

Connell, who joined App State in 2017 and teaches in the Department of Fine and Applied Art, said the recognition came as a surprise.

“It really felt like an incredible honor,” Connell said. “The other artists represent the kind of space that I want my work to be aligned with.”

The selection is based on an artist’s recent body of work rather than a single piece. Connell said she submitted about 10 images, all created within the past three years.

“They select the artists, so it’s more about your body of work and the breadth of your work,” she said.