Adam McVicker and Cary Hulin’s Journey in the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program
A rich cultural exchange is unfolding in Wooster, thanks to the Ohio Arts Council’s Traditional Arts Apprenticeship (TAA) program, which supports the preservation and passing down of folk and traditional art forms. The program pairs accomplished mentor artists with dedicated apprentices, ensuring the continuity of invaluable cultural skills and enriching lives across the state. This year, artist Cary Hulin, known for his Holmes County Pottery and rooted in English pottery traditions, has been awarded a TAA grant to mentor WCA Clay Coordinator, Adam McVicker, an established potter with fresh, unique aspirations.
Hulin’s pottery journey began under the mentorship of renowned potter Todd Piker, who had himself trained with Michael Cardew. A former head potter at Rockdale Union Stoneware and Westerwald Pottery, Cary’s passion led him to open his own studio in Holmes County nearly three decades ago. His success is evidenced by the robust tradition of three firings and three open houses per year—a testament to both his artistry and business acumen. His work is renowned for its authenticity, crafted through techniques that date back centuries, including traditional English wood firing.
Adam McVicker, Clay Coordinator at the Wayne Center for the Arts, has spent the past decade sharing his expertise with both children and adults. With a BFA in ceramics from Kent State, Adam’s passion for the medium goes beyond function; he blends sculptural forms with a love for fantasy, sci-fi, and pop culture. Under the guidance of his own mentors, Kirk Mangus and Eva Kwong, Adam learned to integrate bold gestures and organic influences into his work. But despite his accomplishments, he recognized Cary’s mastery of traditional English techniques as a vital next step in his journey, and, through the TAA program, Adam was able to begin his apprenticeship with Cary in July 2024.
For Adam, studying under Cary provides a dual opportunity: learning to craft pots in the classic English style while exploring ways to infuse his signature creative flair. He hopes to incorporate decorative elements and themes from his favorite inspirations, including gestural motifs and sculptural details he learned from Kirk and Eva. But beyond technique, Adam is inspired by Cary’s approach to engineering both functional and beautiful pottery, as well as his unique approach to running a pottery studio. One of Adam’s long-term goals is to build and master his own wood-fired kiln, furthering his commitment to traditional processes.
The impact of this apprenticeship will extend far beyond Adam’s own work. As he refines these techniques, Adam will also bring this knowledge to his students at Wayne Center for the Arts, passing on these cultural traditions to a new generation. The TAA program, in supporting this partnership, is not only preserving traditional English pottery but also allowing it to evolve and thrive within a modern context.
In a time when traditional arts face the risk of fading, Cary and Adam’s collaboration represents a bright future—one where ancient techniques and modern creativity merge, breathing new life into time-honored practices for generations to come.
