Rus Binkley

Rus grew up among Amish and Mennonites in rural Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He has lived in Texas, Kansas, Illinois, Haiti, Jamaica, and Guadeloupe. He earned a PhD in curriculum and instruction from the University of Illinois.  He led education students on trips to Finland and Kenya. Now, he is retired from teaching social studies education at Western Carolina University. He handbuilds with clay — aiming to make large and ancient pots, influenced by African containers.  He also makes “pop-art” objects: funky paintbrushes, paper bags, shoes, and toothbrushes.