Bob Ebendorf was selected as a 2005 Master of the Medium by the Renwick Alliance.

(Aug. 25, 2004) — Metals professor Robert Ebendorf, of East Carolina University's School of Art, was selected as a 2005 Master of the Medium by the Renwick Alliance.

The award, given by the governing body of Renwick Gallery in Washington D.C., recognizes outstanding craftsmanship in five areas: ceramics, fiber/baskets, glass, metals/jewelry and wood/furniture.

Ebendorf, the Carol Grotnes Belk Distinguished Professor, was selected by the alliance for the honor based on outstanding ability as a craft artist in metals and jewelry. He will receive the award at the Spring Craft Weekend at the Renwick Gallery in Washington, D.C. in 2005.

The Renwick Alliance created the Masters of the Medium Awards in 1997 in celebration of the Renwick Gallery's 25-year anniversary and the alliance's 15th anniversary.

Ebendorf is one of five masters selected for the annual award, which is based on consummate craftsmanship and contribution to the craft field.

Ebendorf came to East Carolina University in 1997 as a visiting lecturer and was awarded the Carol Grotnes Belk Distinguished Professorship for East Carolina University in 1999. As part of the position, he teaches graduate and undergraduate classes, including design and metals. He also is a guest lecturer, oversees the guest artist program for ECU and is on the board of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Ebendorf earned a bachelor's and master's of fine arts from the University of Kansas before earning a Fulbright scholarship to study at the State School for Applied Arts and Crafts in Norway.

His work has appeared in museum collections worldwide, including the Smithsonian's Renwick gallery, and he has taught in numerous locations in the United States.

CONTACT: Bob Ebendorf at 252-328-1318; Judy Weisman, chair of the Spring Craft Weekend of the James Renwick Alliance, 301-907-3888.