Sumiyo Roland, ’10, has combined knowledge she gained from her family’s lacquerware business with her own passion for clay and color to create functional objects of great beauty.

Born and raised in Japan, she incorporates traditional Japanese design elements. Roland, who earned a B.F.A. in design with a concentration in ceramics, has already attracted notice nationally.

“The ceramics program gave me a lot of freedom and opportunities,” said Roland. She held two solo exhibitions while a student, and she was a fellow in the Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship Program in 2008. Her work was selected for display in the college president’s residence in 2007 and 2008, and, in 2009, she received the Sylvia Rosen Award for Excellence in Ceramics.

“I have to continue to develop my design and skills,” said Roland. “However, Buffalo State gave me opportunities to learn about art, design, and the artistic process.”

Roland, now a Western New Yorker, has shown her work in many local shows and galleries. Most recently, she received third place in clay at the 2011 Allentown Art Festival. Recent work can also be seen at the museum store at the Burchfield Penney Art Center.

Her work has also been selected for exhibition in the 41st 100 American Craftsmen show at the Kenan Center in Lockport, the 464 Gallery, the Hauptman Woodward Institute, and Genesee Pottery in Rochester. In 2010, she won first place competition, and her work was displayed by Mayco at the National Council of Education for Ceramic Arts conference in March. Her work also belongs to several private collections.

“Because of Buffalo State,” said Roland, “I have a solid foundation for my work as an artist.”

Photographs of Roland’s work and her schedule of exhibitions can be seen on her web site.