Tom Kilian III, a former Tyrrell County resident, has a current art exhibition, entitled “2017 HANDCRAFTED Juried Exhibition,” is hosted by the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences of Rocky Mount, North Carolina..

“Since I last showcased my work on July 11th, 2015, I have been on tour. Going to university in Missouri allowed me to travel to surrounding international events and conferences to showcase, demonstrate, and even auction off work. Currently, with my attendance at a university in NC, I have been able to draft up new designs for my functional-minded product lines and commence on developing new glazes,” said Kilian.

The Imperial Centre’s exhibition is a wide-ranging fine craft exhibition released last October.

“Out of 130 entries my ceramic work entitled “Isaiah 40:28” (two heritage ring-jugs which are fused together to create a tall and wide vessel [reflecting the same nature of a vase or pitcher]) was selected with 38 other artists’ works to be shown. The works on display are just as exclusive and varied as the mediums they are made of and the craftsmen who have made them,” said Kilian

Works from artists from 9 different states of the craft mediums of clay, glass, wood, fiber, metal, found objects, etc. are exhibited this year.

This year’s Handcrafted Juried Exhibition was juried by ECU professor, Mi- Sook Hur.

Alicyn Wiedrich, has been an Art Curator for the City of Rocky Mount for three years.

Wiedrich said that 2017 marked was the 17th Handcrafted Juried Exhibition.

“This year’s show was juried by Mi-Sook Hur. Her focus was on innovation and craftsmanship, which is a very apparent theme as you explore the exhibition. All of the pieces selected for the show exemplify mastery of craft and unique methods to achieve innovative twists on classics. Some are styles I’ve never seen before, which is really exciting! Thomas Kilian’s work fits in beautifully with the exhibit. His clay piece is of unique (and surprising) shape! We were thrilled to have him included in this years Handcrafted exhibition,” said Wiedrich

Kilian is not only known for his work in art but also for his efforts and ministry in the Church of Christ Christian Church. He has worked alongside Mercy Partners®, a Christian-based, humanitarian aid organization working in North and East Africa, as an advisor.

“In the near future, I plan on participating as a vendor for Somerset Place State Historic Site’s (Creswell, NC) 2017 summer events. In the next year, I will graduate twice from Mid-Atlantic Christian University. I am looking into possible art opportunities with which I could display my craft while I teach,” said Kilian

The exhibi t where Kilian’s work is featured debuted on January 29 and will continue to be open to the public until its closing on May 14, 2017