MING AWARD

The Ming Award is named in honor of ceramic icon, Mrs. Chen Sui-Ming, fondly

known as “Ming” in the ceramics industry. An accomplished artist, ceramist, and

teacher of ceramics, Ming ran her own studio on Long Island, New York, then

later in Folsom, California, for many decades.

Her passion for calligraphy, brush work, and clay began when she took her very first

ceramic class in the early 1950’s. Her love for the art began as a hobby and gradually

evolved into teaching adults classes, starting her own studio, winning numerous awards

in different categories at various ceramic shows, and publishing her designs and techniques

in major ceramic trade and hobby magazines.

In 1973 she became the educational director of the only internationally know non-

product-oriented teacher certification program.

From then until her retirement in 1997, she directed the educational and certification program

of the National Ceramics Manufacturers Association (NCMA), later acquired

by Ceramic Art Institute (CAI). In its heyday, the program has a roster of fourteen

Master Teachers and was taught extensively in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

In the late seventies and early eighties other programs were added to expand ceramic

education. The judging program taught CAI certified teachers how to assess show entries

for the quality of work – for flaws as well as unusual displays of talent that might

foretell gifted ceramic teachers of the future. As well, regional forums in new

techniques and products were held for certified teachers. The NCMA and CAI

programs were the only certification programs that could earn students college credits.

The Ming Award figure was chosen by the Judging staff of the Exhibitors Association

Production Company. Research has found it to be a Chinese princess of the Han

dynasty. She is a teacher and a symbol of knowledge for the arts. She holds a

scepter which is signifying authority, position and respect. Her expertise was in

demand throughout China during the Han dynasty.

Chen Sui-Ming has approved the award.

CONGRATULATIONS

Show: _____________________

Serial Number: ______________

Date: ______________________