Education
M.F.A. Spatial Art, San Jose State UniversityA.B. Visual Design, University of California, Berkeley
Exhibitions
Solo Exhibitions2011: Table of Contents, Robert Else Gallery, California State University, Sacramento2007: Tom Decker Ignition, Ayala Museum Artist’s Space, Makati City, Philippines
Selected Group Exhibitions2012:
Shine, Members Showcase, Berkeley Art Center, Berkeley, CAInk & Clay 28, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CACreativiTea, ACGI Gallery, Berkeley, CA18th Annual Sculpture in the Garden, Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek, CAMungyeong Traditional Teabowl Festival, Mungyeong, Korea
2011: Mungyeong Traditional Teabowl Festival, International Ceramic Art Exchange Exhibition, Mungyeong, KoreaGreen, Members Showcase, Berkeley Art Center, Berkeley, CAFaculty Exhibition, City College of San Francisco, CA
2010: MarinArts Open Studios, San Anselmo, CA GASA Art Auction Exhibition, Sacramento, CAHands in Clay, Regional Juried Exhibition, Mistlin Gallery, Modesto, CAObjects of Virtue, National Juried Exhibition, Bedford Gallery, Walnut Creek, CA
2009: 12th International Macsabal Woodfire Festival, City Center, Osan, Korea15th Annual Sculpture in the Garden Show, Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek, CAHands in Clay, Regional Juried Exhibition, Tidewater Gallery, Stockton, CAClay Mentors II, Clay Mix Gallery, Fresno, CAJingdezhen International Ceramic Fair, Jingdezhen, China
2008: Sa Simula, College of Fine Arts, University of the Philippines, Diliman11th International Macsabal Woodfire Festival, Muhlyanggi, Osan, Korea19th California Clay Competition, The Artery, Davis, CAFeats of Clay XXI, National Juried Exhibition, Gladding McBean, Lincoln, CAExploring the Surface, ACGA Group Show, Pence Gallery, Davis, CA
2007: 10th International Macsabal Woodfire Festival, Osan, KoreaFollow the Line, Traditions Revealed by ACGA Artists, Pence Gallery, Davis, CAJingdezhen International Ceramic Fair, Jingdezhen, China
2006: Internationalen Wettbewerb Salzbrand Kerramik 2006, Koblenz, GermanyContemporary Ceramics 2006, National Juried Exhibition, Grand Junction, COGet Fired, Regional Juried Exhibition, Davis Art Center, Davis, CA60 Years of Fire, Form, & Function, Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael, CA
2005: Grand Opening, Artscape Gallery, Walnut Creek, CAFeats of Clay XVI, National Juried Exhibition, Gladding McBean, Lincoln, CAPots: Objects of Virtue, National Juried Exhibition, Walnut Creek, CAClay (re)Emerge, Red Ink Studios, San Francisco, CA 2004: From the Fire, Regional Juried Exhibition, Alameda, CAEast Meets West, Regional Juried Exhibition, Danville Fine Arts, Danville, CAWoodstoke: The Essence of Fire, American River College, Sacramento, CA
2003: Core, Memorial Union Gallery, University of California, DavisAn Affinity for the Cup, Exploding Head Gallery, Sacramento, CAFeats of Clay XVI, National Juried Exhibition, Gladding McBean, Lincoln, CA14th California Clay Competition, The Artery, Davis, CAOne of a Kind, Contract Design Center, San Francisco, CACSUS Art Department Faculty Exhibition, California State University, Sacramento
2002: Internationalen Wettbewerb Salzbrand Kerramik 2006, Koblenz, GermanySeeing Differently, Adode Art Center Gallery, Castro Valley, CAAssignment Art, Else Gallery, California State University, SacramentoWinter in the City Hall, John O’Lague Galleria, Hayward, CA
2001: 12th California Clay Competition, The Artery, Davis, CAFeats of Clay XII, National Juried Exhibition, Gladding McBean, Lincoln, CA
2000: Health Through Art, Alameda County Department of Health Service, CA
1999: 10th California Clay Competition, The Artery, Davis, CASalon des ICA, San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, San Jose, CABuild a Better Birdhouse, Traveling Exhibition, Alameda County, CA
1998: The Mind’s Eye, Adobe Art Center Gallery, Castro Valley, CANight of 101 Cups, Corinth Ceramics Studio, Los Angeles, CA
1997: Art Department Faculty Exhibition, Ohlone College, Fremont, CAOregon Clay/97 National, Renshaw Gallery, McMinville, ORBeyond Production, Herbert Sanders Gallery, San Jose State University, CAAcross the Tracks, WORKS/San Jose Gallery, San Jose, CA
1996: California Collegiate Ceramics Competition, Riverside, CAYou’re Naked Without It, San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, San Jose, CA18th North American Sculpture Exhibition, Golden, CO
1995: Rice, WORKS/San Jose Gallery, San Jose, CA
1994: Three Sculptors, San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, San Jose, CA
1993: An Environmental Imperative for Art, San Jose State University, CA
1992: Overtime II, 590 Second Street, San Francisco, CA
1991: Art Against War, Artist’s Television Access Gallery, San Francisco, CA Periodical Reviews & PhotographsArt reflects life for Tom Decker, The State Hornet, California State University, Sacramento, September 26, 2011Hand-made with care, The Contra Costa Times, Livermore, CA, November 27, 2009New sculpture studio plans ‘Face Jug’ workshop, The Independent, Livermore, CA, July 30, 2009Cross-cultural Influences of Contemporary Philippine Ceramic Artists, NCECA Journal, Erie, CO, April 2009An Early Advantage in Overseas Markets, The Crafts Report, Iola, WI April 2008Follow the Line, Clay Times, Waterford, VA, July/August 2007Tom Decker ignites, Manila Standard, Manila, Philippines, January 27, 2007Blown away, Marin Independent Journal, San Rafael, CA, October 27, 2005Euphrat opening spotlights faculty, La Voz, De Anza College, Cupertino, CA, January 3, 2005An essence of eight, The Davis Enterprise, Davis, CA, October 16, 2003Upfront, Ceramics Monthly, Westerville, OH, October 2003When the clay speaks, The Davis Enterprise, Davis, CA, May 15, 2003An affinity for the cup, Kerameiki Techni, Athens, Greece, April 2003Winter appears early in City Hall art show, Castro Valley Forum, Hayward, CA, November 27, 2002Amerikaner bringt Objekte personlich vorbei, handwerk.special.de, Koblenz, Germany, April 17, 200212th California Clay Competition, Ceramics Monthly, Westerville, OH, December 2001Go figure, Westword, Denver,CO, May 2, 1996
CatalogsMungyeong Traditional Teabowl Festival , Charlie Youn (curator), Mungyeong, Korea, 2011 13th International Macsabal Woodfire Festival, Kim Yong Moon (director), Osan, Korea, 2009 Selections of Ceramic Art from International Masters, Li Zi Yuan (curator), Zibo, China, 200812th International Macsabal Woodfire Festival, Kim Yong Moon (director), Osan, Korea, 2008California Clay Competition, Sandi Simon (juror), Davis, CA, 2008 11th International Macsabal Woodfire Festival, Kim Yong Moon (director), Osan, Korea, 20072007 International Contemporary Ceramic Exhibition, Xu Aimin & Janet Mansfield (advisors), Jingdezhen, China, 2007 Salzbrand Keramik, Karl-Heinz Scherlag (juror), Handwerkskammer Koblenz, Germany, 2006 California Clay Competition, Richard Shaw (juror), Davis, CA, 2003 Salzbrand Keramik, Karl-Jurgen Wilbert (juror), Handwerkskammer Koblenz, Germany, 2002 California Clay Competition, Yoshio Taylor (juror), Davis, CA, 2001 California Clay Competition, John Toki (juror), Davis, CA, 1999 Workshops & Lectures2012: Mimbres-inspired bowl making workshop, De Anza College, Cupertino, CA
2011: Homemade: Interpreting Traditional Folk Art in the Domestic Environment, 2011 Mungyeong Traditional Teabowl Festival, Mungyeong, Korea
2009: Cross-cultural Influences of Contemporary Philippine Ceramic Artists, National Council on Education for Ceramic Arts, 43rd Annual Conference, Phoenix, AZFace Jug Workshop, The Sculpture Studio, Livermore, CAMoldmaking Workshop, The Sculpture Studio, Livermore, CA
2008: Usapang Luad, 5-week colloquium series on ceramic art, University of the Philippines, Diliman
2007: Pit Fire Workshop, University of the Philippines, Diliman
2006: Sculpture Workshop, Orchard Valley Ceramics Arts Guild, San Jose, CASoda Firing Workshop, Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, CA
2005: Pit Fire Workshop, Pettyjohn Mendoza Pottery School, Makati City, Philippines
AwardsJ. William Fulbright Scholar Grant, University of the Philippines, Diliman, 2008Award of Excellence, From the Fire exhibition, Alameda Art Center, 2004East Bay Clay Award, 14th California Clay Competition, 2003First Place, 18th North American Sculpture Exhibition, 1996Award of Merit & Purchase Award, California Collegiate Ceramics Competition, 1996First Place Sculpture, Triton Museum Juried Exhibition, 1995 Teaching Experience2006-present: City College of San FranciscoCourses taught: Beginning Ceramics, Intermediate Ceramics, Advanced Ceramics (wheel throwing and hand building), Ceramic Sculpture I & II
2000-2013: California State University, SacramentoCourses taught: Beginning Ceramics (wheel throwing), Advanced Ceramics (wheel throwing), Beginning Hand-built Ceramics (lower division), Hand-built Ceramic Techniques (upper division), Clay Sculpture (lower division)
1997-2006: Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, CACourses taught: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced Ceramics (wheel throwing and handbuilding), Directed Study in Ceramics (advanced wheel throwing and sculpture)
1996-2000: Ohlone College, Fremont, CACourses taught: Beginning Ceramics, Intermediate Ceramics (wheel throwing and handbuilding), Directed Study in Art, Introduction to Graphic Design, Digital Photograpy, Macintosh Graphics
1993-1995: San Jose State University, San Jose, CACourses taught: Introduction to Ceramics (wheel throwing and handbuilding), Two-dimensional Concepts (lower division)
Managerial Experience1999-2002: Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, Hayward, CACoordination of year-round pottery program serving over 200 citizens with 12 instructors and volunteers.
2011: Mungyeong Traditional Teabowl Festival, International Ceramic Art Exchange Exhibition, Mungyeong, KoreaGreen, Members Showcase, Berkeley Art Center, Berkeley, CAFaculty Exhibition, City College of San Francisco, CA
2010: MarinArts Open Studios, San Anselmo, CA GASA Art Auction Exhibition, Sacramento, CAHands in Clay, Regional Juried Exhibition, Mistlin Gallery, Modesto, CAObjects of Virtue, National Juried Exhibition, Bedford Gallery, Walnut Creek, CA
2009: 12th International Macsabal Woodfire Festival, City Center, Osan, Korea15th Annual Sculpture in the Garden Show, Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek, CAHands in Clay, Regional Juried Exhibition, Tidewater Gallery, Stockton, CAClay Mentors II, Clay Mix Gallery, Fresno, CAJingdezhen International Ceramic Fair, Jingdezhen, China
2008: Sa Simula, College of Fine Arts, University of the Philippines, Diliman11th International Macsabal Woodfire Festival, Muhlyanggi, Osan, Korea19th California Clay Competition, The Artery, Davis, CAFeats of Clay XXI, National Juried Exhibition, Gladding McBean, Lincoln, CAExploring the Surface, ACGA Group Show, Pence Gallery, Davis, CA
2007: 10th International Macsabal Woodfire Festival, Osan, KoreaFollow the Line, Traditions Revealed by ACGA Artists, Pence Gallery, Davis, CAJingdezhen International Ceramic Fair, Jingdezhen, China
2006: Internationalen Wettbewerb Salzbrand Kerramik 2006, Koblenz, GermanyContemporary Ceramics 2006, National Juried Exhibition, Grand Junction, COGet Fired, Regional Juried Exhibition, Davis Art Center, Davis, CA60 Years of Fire, Form, & Function, Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael, CA
2005: Grand Opening, Artscape Gallery, Walnut Creek, CAFeats of Clay XVI, National Juried Exhibition, Gladding McBean, Lincoln, CAPots: Objects of Virtue, National Juried Exhibition, Walnut Creek, CAClay (re)Emerge, Red Ink Studios, San Francisco, CA 2004: From the Fire, Regional Juried Exhibition, Alameda, CAEast Meets West, Regional Juried Exhibition, Danville Fine Arts, Danville, CAWoodstoke: The Essence of Fire, American River College, Sacramento, CA
2003: Core, Memorial Union Gallery, University of California, DavisAn Affinity for the Cup, Exploding Head Gallery, Sacramento, CAFeats of Clay XVI, National Juried Exhibition, Gladding McBean, Lincoln, CA14th California Clay Competition, The Artery, Davis, CAOne of a Kind, Contract Design Center, San Francisco, CACSUS Art Department Faculty Exhibition, California State University, Sacramento
2002: Internationalen Wettbewerb Salzbrand Kerramik 2006, Koblenz, GermanySeeing Differently, Adode Art Center Gallery, Castro Valley, CAAssignment Art, Else Gallery, California State University, SacramentoWinter in the City Hall, John O’Lague Galleria, Hayward, CA
2001: 12th California Clay Competition, The Artery, Davis, CAFeats of Clay XII, National Juried Exhibition, Gladding McBean, Lincoln, CA
2000: Health Through Art, Alameda County Department of Health Service, CA
1999: 10th California Clay Competition, The Artery, Davis, CASalon des ICA, San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, San Jose, CABuild a Better Birdhouse, Traveling Exhibition, Alameda County, CA
1998: The Mind’s Eye, Adobe Art Center Gallery, Castro Valley, CANight of 101 Cups, Corinth Ceramics Studio, Los Angeles, CA
1997: Art Department Faculty Exhibition, Ohlone College, Fremont, CAOregon Clay/97 National, Renshaw Gallery, McMinville, ORBeyond Production, Herbert Sanders Gallery, San Jose State University, CAAcross the Tracks, WORKS/San Jose Gallery, San Jose, CA
1996: California Collegiate Ceramics Competition, Riverside, CAYou’re Naked Without It, San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, San Jose, CA18th North American Sculpture Exhibition, Golden, CO
1995: Rice, WORKS/San Jose Gallery, San Jose, CA
1994: Three Sculptors, San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, San Jose, CA
1993: An Environmental Imperative for Art, San Jose State University, CA
1992: Overtime II, 590 Second Street, San Francisco, CA
1991: Art Against War, Artist’s Television Access Gallery, San Francisco, CA Periodical Reviews & PhotographsArt reflects life for Tom Decker, The State Hornet, California State University, Sacramento, September 26, 2011Hand-made with care, The Contra Costa Times, Livermore, CA, November 27, 2009New sculpture studio plans ‘Face Jug’ workshop, The Independent, Livermore, CA, July 30, 2009Cross-cultural Influences of Contemporary Philippine Ceramic Artists, NCECA Journal, Erie, CO, April 2009An Early Advantage in Overseas Markets, The Crafts Report, Iola, WI April 2008Follow the Line, Clay Times, Waterford, VA, July/August 2007Tom Decker ignites, Manila Standard, Manila, Philippines, January 27, 2007Blown away, Marin Independent Journal, San Rafael, CA, October 27, 2005Euphrat opening spotlights faculty, La Voz, De Anza College, Cupertino, CA, January 3, 2005An essence of eight, The Davis Enterprise, Davis, CA, October 16, 2003Upfront, Ceramics Monthly, Westerville, OH, October 2003When the clay speaks, The Davis Enterprise, Davis, CA, May 15, 2003An affinity for the cup, Kerameiki Techni, Athens, Greece, April 2003Winter appears early in City Hall art show, Castro Valley Forum, Hayward, CA, November 27, 2002Amerikaner bringt Objekte personlich vorbei, handwerk.special.de, Koblenz, Germany, April 17, 200212th California Clay Competition, Ceramics Monthly, Westerville, OH, December 2001Go figure, Westword, Denver,CO, May 2, 1996
CatalogsMungyeong Traditional Teabowl Festival , Charlie Youn (curator), Mungyeong, Korea, 2011 13th International Macsabal Woodfire Festival, Kim Yong Moon (director), Osan, Korea, 2009 Selections of Ceramic Art from International Masters, Li Zi Yuan (curator), Zibo, China, 200812th International Macsabal Woodfire Festival, Kim Yong Moon (director), Osan, Korea, 2008California Clay Competition, Sandi Simon (juror), Davis, CA, 2008 11th International Macsabal Woodfire Festival, Kim Yong Moon (director), Osan, Korea, 20072007 International Contemporary Ceramic Exhibition, Xu Aimin & Janet Mansfield (advisors), Jingdezhen, China, 2007 Salzbrand Keramik, Karl-Heinz Scherlag (juror), Handwerkskammer Koblenz, Germany, 2006 California Clay Competition, Richard Shaw (juror), Davis, CA, 2003 Salzbrand Keramik, Karl-Jurgen Wilbert (juror), Handwerkskammer Koblenz, Germany, 2002 California Clay Competition, Yoshio Taylor (juror), Davis, CA, 2001 California Clay Competition, John Toki (juror), Davis, CA, 1999 Workshops & Lectures2012: Mimbres-inspired bowl making workshop, De Anza College, Cupertino, CA
2011: Homemade: Interpreting Traditional Folk Art in the Domestic Environment, 2011 Mungyeong Traditional Teabowl Festival, Mungyeong, Korea
2009: Cross-cultural Influences of Contemporary Philippine Ceramic Artists, National Council on Education for Ceramic Arts, 43rd Annual Conference, Phoenix, AZFace Jug Workshop, The Sculpture Studio, Livermore, CAMoldmaking Workshop, The Sculpture Studio, Livermore, CA
2008: Usapang Luad, 5-week colloquium series on ceramic art, University of the Philippines, Diliman
2007: Pit Fire Workshop, University of the Philippines, Diliman
2006: Sculpture Workshop, Orchard Valley Ceramics Arts Guild, San Jose, CASoda Firing Workshop, Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, CA
2005: Pit Fire Workshop, Pettyjohn Mendoza Pottery School, Makati City, Philippines
AwardsJ. William Fulbright Scholar Grant, University of the Philippines, Diliman, 2008Award of Excellence, From the Fire exhibition, Alameda Art Center, 2004East Bay Clay Award, 14th California Clay Competition, 2003First Place, 18th North American Sculpture Exhibition, 1996Award of Merit & Purchase Award, California Collegiate Ceramics Competition, 1996First Place Sculpture, Triton Museum Juried Exhibition, 1995 Teaching Experience2006-present: City College of San FranciscoCourses taught: Beginning Ceramics, Intermediate Ceramics, Advanced Ceramics (wheel throwing and hand building), Ceramic Sculpture I & II
2000-2013: California State University, SacramentoCourses taught: Beginning Ceramics (wheel throwing), Advanced Ceramics (wheel throwing), Beginning Hand-built Ceramics (lower division), Hand-built Ceramic Techniques (upper division), Clay Sculpture (lower division)
1997-2006: Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, CACourses taught: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced Ceramics (wheel throwing and handbuilding), Directed Study in Ceramics (advanced wheel throwing and sculpture)
1996-2000: Ohlone College, Fremont, CACourses taught: Beginning Ceramics, Intermediate Ceramics (wheel throwing and handbuilding), Directed Study in Art, Introduction to Graphic Design, Digital Photograpy, Macintosh Graphics
1993-1995: San Jose State University, San Jose, CACourses taught: Introduction to Ceramics (wheel throwing and handbuilding), Two-dimensional Concepts (lower division)
Managerial Experience1999-2002: Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, Hayward, CACoordination of year-round pottery program serving over 200 citizens with 12 instructors and volunteers.