Fairbanks books have been published, exhibitions accomplished, and individual ceramics placed in regional and international museum’s permanent collections. Now, as this posthumous effort continues with our first touring exhibit, we ask:

                            Where may we find a permanent home to keep this material intact as a significant public and

                            educational resource?

Perhaps, Richard provided his preference for his native Pacific Northwest when listing inspiration for his forms and glazes.

                       …cornstalks in the sun, beach pebbles being dashed up in a gentle surf, butterfly and beetle wings,

                           a newly laid egg, the ruby flesh of a black cherry, a wasteland with fantastic boulder shapes.

This exhibition unites Richard’s elegantly strong ceramics, meaningful fragments of his thoughts, and photos of the artist at work. If understanding of what a simple country potter created during his abbreviated life, and his sense of joy from time well spent, the purpose of our effort is fulfilled.

Dixie Parker-Fairbanks