87. Rudy Autio

By SHERRY JONES of the Missoulian

Pottery as an art form came into its own in the hands of Rudy Autio, one of the first artists to mold clay into vessels not merely of function, but of self-expression, as well.

Born in Butte, Autio studied at universities in Bozeman and Washington before becoming in 1952, with ceramicist Pete Voulkos, a founding resident artist at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena. Autio also founded the ceramic arts department at the University of Montana, where he taught for 28 years.

As much a painter as a potter, Autio combines both in his work – and helped elevate the humble pot from craft to art.

He's beautified the Missoula community, as well, with the colorful mural on the Missoula Fire Department building on Madison Street; a tapestry at the entryway to the University of Montana's Montana Theatre; and – in a departure from his distinctive style – the grizzly statue on the university Oval.

Next month, Autio travels to Charlotte, N.C., to accept the prestigious Gold Medal award from the American Craft Council.