Julia Galloway, a professor and director of ceramics at the University of Montana, has been named a Regents Professor by the Montana Board of Regents. This is the highest distinction for faculty in the Montana University System. Galloway is the 14th person from UM to receive this honor since its creation in 1991 and is the first visual artist from UM to be recognized with this title.
“I’m delighted the arts are being recognized in this way,” said Galloway. “The Regents Award brings a level of real credibility to the arts as a sincere and endeavor of scholarship and research. This gives students hope in a different kind of way that they’re doing something essential and worthy.”
UM President Seth Bodnar praised her contributions, stating, “Professor Galloway embodies the best of what higher education in Montana stands for – creativity, service and excellence. Through her art and teaching, she has brought international recognition to the University of Montana and inspired countless students to find purpose in their craft.”
A video celebrating Galloway’s award is available at https://bit.ly/UMClay.
Galloway joined UM in 2009. Since then, she has developed its ceramics program into one that is respected nationally. Her work merges traditional techniques with environmental themes and cultural commentary. She has held over 30 solo exhibitions and participated in more than 275 group shows around the world.
Her pieces are included in collections at institutions such as the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery, American Museum of Ceramic Art, and Montana Museum of Art and Culture.
Among her accolades are being named 2023 Artist of the Year by Ceramics Monthly and Ceramics Arts Network. In 2018, she became one of only four potters to receive a United States Artist Fellowship since 2006. She also holds a Fellow of the Council lifetime appointment with the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts.
Galloway has served as director at large for national ceramic organizations including Archie Bray Foundation for Ceramic Arts in Helena, Montana; Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine; as well as serving on boards within her field.
Her current project—the Endangered Species Project—brings together art, science, and environmental advocacy through more than 1,100 hand-carved porcelain urns representing species from or lost from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Endangered Species list; this series will tour museums nationally starting in 2028.
“Art has the power to make loss visible and inspire empathy,” Galloway said about her project. “This project is about remembering that we are connected to all living things. The survival of other species is deeply tied to our own.”
At UM she founded Montana Clay—a statewide collective—and created Field Guide for Ceramic Artisans used internationally by potters.
Richard Notkin described her as “not only one of most respected ceramic artists…but also a thought leader whose work continues to elevate field.” Adrea Lawrence (UM provost) noted that selection was unanimous: “Professor Galloway’s career represents sustained excellence across scholarship, teaching and service…She has deepened University’s impact while helping shape field globally.”
As Regents Professor she joins an elite group recognized for scholarship/public service statewide.
“Julia Galloway’s work reminds us that creativity is not a luxury – it’s a way of understanding and caring for world around us,” Bodnar added.“We are deeply proud to see her recognized with this honor.”
