Ernest Ayree

Ernest is a creative professional whose experience spans the fields of ceramics, business, and construction engineering. Born in Accra, Ghana, Ernest credits his education in Ghana and the vibrant creative and intellectual atmosphere within his family for influencing his decision to be an artist.

He is widely traveled as an artist and educator in The Netherlands, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, the United States, and Ghana. His experience includes lecturing, artist residencies, and presenting workshops and demonstrations. In 2020, he started the Accra Sculpture Invitational residency program in Ghana. For several years he served as international sales and customer Service representative for the ceramics division of Nidec-Shimpo America Corporation.

Ernest’s passionate interest has been organizing a travel program, which encourages artists to experience the indigenous crafts environment of Ghana. He has spent many years advancing his own work philosophy through the observation of Indigenous Ghanaian art and culture as practiced in clay, textiles, mural painting, and metalwork. Currently, he is employed as a construction engineering technician. He still devotes time to art in his studio in the Chicago area and on project-specific trips in Ghana. His greatest passion is teaching and creating intercultural opportunities for experiencing the art of Ghana.