The Nov. 14 Colby Community College Thirsty Thursday art show will feature ceramic pieces by Colby's Rodney Zimmerman, as well as contributions from CCC art students and members of the community. The exhibit is open from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Northwest Kansas Cultural Arts Center gallery on campus.

Zimmerman grew to appreciate ceramics and clay while attending school in his hometown of Hoxie. After high school, his interests in horticulture and landscape design took him to Nebraska where he completed his degrees before returning to Kansas. He began taking courses at CCC and combined his two interests of plants and art.

Today, many of his works are inspired by nature. He enjoys creating unique pots and growing environments for the interesting plant species he collects through domestic and international travel.

“I always try to bring memories home in a physical, tactile form," he said. Caring for a plant I’ve collected, or working on a piece of pottery, instantly brings me back to memories created while out exploring. A living, growing piece of sculpture is never finished!”

He enjoys experimentation with finishing techniques such as Raku and horsehair as well as tinkering with washes and stains to create unique and intricate glazing results.

During the show, Zimmerman will do a live demonstration on the potter's wheel. Many of his pots and plants will be for sale on a "cash and carry" basis, with some items beginning as low as $5.

The CCC art department hosts Thirsty Thursday most months during the academic year. There is no admission charge.

For more information, contact art instructor Rebel Mahieu at (785) 460-5459.