1202 W. Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
602–285–7500

By: Joslyn Hatfield

Phoenix native and artist Halldor Hjalmarson is a key element in the growing central Phoenix arts scene. As one of the founding fathers of the Phoenix downtown First Fridays, Hjalmarson believes in bringing art to the public. His work will be on display in the Phoenix College Art Gallery until December 3rd.

For the past 35 years, Hjalmarson and his wife Gail have operated Hjalmarson Pottery in the historic Roosevelt District of central Phoenix.

Halldor draws inspiration from the surrounding Sonoran Desert of Arizona. He has been sculpting plant and animal life indigenous to the Sonoran Desert for the last 10 years.

"Sculpting is one of the oldest art forms," said Hjalmarson. "The clay itself is natural and inspirational."

Halldor is an Arizona native and received his Master’s Degree in Art from Arizona State University. He has also studied ceramic art in Korea and Japan as well as much of North America. His art has been featured at the Phoenix Art Museum, Albuquerque Art Museum and Shemer Art Center. His work is currently on display throughout the southwest and in his studio located at 45 West Lynwood in Phoenix. Hjalmarson lectures regularly and has taught in the college setting as well as in secondary schools throughout Arizona. He also creates the official tea bowl pottery for the Tea Garden in Phoenix.

The show is free and open to the public.

The Phoenix College Art Gallery is open Monday-Friday from 12:30p.m. to 4:30 p.m.