Inside Look invites you to connect with local artists as they share the stories behind their work, their creative process, and what inspires them to create. Join us at HMA’s satellite location in Valley Hills Mall for engaging talks, live demos, and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the art-making journey. Free admission — donations always welcome!

"Laura Aultman received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina at Asheville in 2003, concentrating in the ceramic arts. During her undergraduate career, she was a studio assistant for raku artist Steven Forbes-de Soule, who resides in Weaverville, North Carolina. During that time she also received a research grant, which enabled her to complete an extensive undergraduate research project that focused on the crystal growth of zinc-silicate crystalline glazes. In 2003, Aultman presented her crystalline research findings at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research in Salt Lake City, Utah. After receiving her undergraduate degree, she was accepted into the graduate ceramic program at the University of Florida, Gainesville, under the tutelage of Linda Arbuckle and Nan Smith. She received her Master of Fine Arts in May 2006; and returned to University of North Carolina at Asheville where she taught ceramics as an academic scholarly leave replacement.

Ms. Aultman has been an art instructor for Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, teaching at the Watauga and Caldwell campuses, since 2008. She teaches Ceramics I and II, Design I and II, Sculpture I and II, Art History Survey I & II, and Art Appreciation.

Her ceramic work has been shown in art shows throughout the southeastern United States and has been published in Crystalline Glazes 2nd ed. by Diane Creber, 500 Plates and Chargers and 500 Prints on Clay by Lark Books."