Alisa "Al" Holen, assistant professor of ceramics, jokes with Lenny Dowhie, professor emeritus of art, that she's got "big flip-flops" to fill.

"Lenny actually passed his flip-flops down to me at his retirement party," Holen said. Dowhie, who retired in May 2011, taught ceramics at USI for 33 years.

Holen joined the University in fall 2011. After graduating with an M.A. and M.F.A. in ceramics from the University of Iowa, she taught in several Midwestern states and Mississippi before coming to USI.

"When I think about Lenny and what he's done for the University, the Art Department, the students, and the greater ceramics and art communities, I'm truly humbled," Holen said. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for him, both as an artist and as an educator."

Holen has embraced the University community, the burgeoning Haynie's Corner Arts District, and the Art Department's involvement in it, including Sculpt EVV, a national juried outdoor sculpture exhibit, and Clay EVV, a national juried small-scale ceramic sculpture exhibit to be held in summer 2012.

"My colleagues and the community have been very welcoming. I'm excited about the arts community and how it appears to be growing."

Holen is looking forward to the continued progress of the ceramics program.

"The tradition that I have inherited here is a strong one. I’m excited about the beautiful new facilities we have for ceramics, and the energy and drive of the faculty and students alike. I’m focused on continuing to move the program forward, to bring in top-of-the-line visiting artists and exhibits, and to work with the community and students to enhance the quality of life in Evansville through the arts."  

Holen was recently featured in a lengthy article in the Mobile Press-Register.

Confluence, an exhibition of her artwork, is on display at the Mississippi Sound Welcome Center, Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, in Biloxi, Mississippi through June 2.

She is not sure what she's going to do with Dowhie's old flip-flops yet. "It was a very 'Lenny' gesture and I was touched."

Learn more about Holen and her work at www.alpottergirl.com/.