Year Created: 2026

Medium: wheel-thrown stoneware ceramic

Dimensions: tureen: 12” diameter x 5”tall bowls 5” diameter x 3” tall

Inspiration: Inspired by the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s rich tradition of functional pottery, this serving set celebrates the vessels that have long brought people together around the table. Consisting of a tureen with lid, ladle, and eight bowls, the set draws from the colors and textures of our coastal environment while honoring the region’s enduring gumbo and soup traditions, where handcrafted pottery becomes part of the experience of sharing food, stories, and community.

Steve Barney ’82: Steve Barney ‘82 is a Bay St. Louis, MS ceramic artist whose work blends traditional pottery with science, engineering, and creative exploration. Originally from Buffalo, New York, he began working with clay as a child and has spent a lifetime refining his craft. Steve holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Tufts University and brings a unique technical perspective to his artistic practice. Inspired by George Ohr, the “Mad Potter of Biloxi,” he creates distinctive ceramic works while sharing his passion for the art through exhibitions, demonstrations, and educational programs. He is the founder of the STEAMpunk Pottery Project.