Harry Malesovas
BIO
Harry Malesovas is a sculptor and painter born in California and raised in North Carolina. Malesovas received his BFA in Ceramics from the University of North Carolina, Asheville, during which he was recognized by NCECA with an Undergraduate Award for Excellence . After he graduated, he pursued a Post-Bach with his Alma Mater. Following this, he moved to Minneapolis to complete a residency with the Northern Clay Center, where he continues to live and work.
Artist Statement
At my lowest, when mental health struggles weighed heavily on me, I reached out for help—a decision that would ultimately transform my understanding of vulnerability. For much of my life, I believed I had to maintain a stoic facade, to avoid burdening others with my emotions. But the more I internalized my struggles, the more isolated I became. Depression, anxiety, and self-loathing crept in, and I felt as though I were the only one facing these battles—especially as a man, in a space where these struggles weren't often discussed.
It wasn’t until working with my art therapist that I discovered I was not alone, finding validation through vulnerability and the willingness to share that I was hurting.
Working in clay and mixed-media sculpture, I explore the balance between the isolated world within and the shared experiences we all have regarding mental health. Using grotesque, psychedelic, and often humorous imagery to peel back the layers of my inner world, from depictions of love and hate to callousness and empathy, my art offers a raw journey into the complexities of the human experience. Each piece serves as an invitation to the viewer—an open door to explore the many facets of my true self, and perhaps, their own.
CV
Email- artbychum@gmail.com
Education:
2021, BFA University of North Carolina Asheville BFA in Ceramic Arts
Residencies:
2024, 10 Week Fall Residency, Anderson Ranch, Snowmass, CO
2023, Early Career Artist Residency, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN
Awards:
2023, NCECA Undergraduate Awards for Excellence, 1st Place Winner, NCECA Juried Student Exhibition
Internships:
2021, Gallery Intern with the Center For Craft
Teaching Experience:
2026, Advanced Hand Building, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN
2022/2023, Teaching Assistant for Ceramics 1 working under Ceramics Head Megan Wolfe, UNC Asheville
Solo Exhibitions:
2026, For We Are Many, Court Tree Collective, Brooklyn, New York
2023, Forgive me God, I am Stupid and Sinful, DSGN CLCTV, Cincinnati, Ohio
2022, Hex at the Mothlight or How I Became Green With Jealousy, Green Room Gallery, Asheville, NC
2021, Legion, S. Tucker Cooke Gallery, Asheville, NC
2020, Chum Art Exhibition, Sunflower Gallery, Asheville, NC
2020, Commons Collective With CHUM Art, Commons Collective Gallery, Asheville, NC
Selected Group Exhibitions:
2026, Cups for Y’all, Huston Center For Contemporary Craft, Huston, TX
2025, Early Career Artist Grant Recipients, Northern Clay Center Minneapolis, MN
2024, Summer Feeling, Court Tree Collective, New York, NY
2023, Original Pressing, Push Galleries, Asheville, NC
2023, The Atrium Series I, The Bascom, Greehey Atrium , Highlands, NC
2023, NCECA Juried Student Exhibition, Reed Gallery, Cincinnati, MD
2022, Junk In The Trunk, Baltimore ClayWorks, Baltimore, MD
2022, Deviation - Solo and Collaborative works by Harry Malesovas and Anna Kramer, Slouch Gallery, Weaverville, NC
2022, Emergence: A Survey of Southeastern Studio Programs, The Bascom, Highlands, NC
2022, The Collective Works of Samuel Joyner and Harry Malesovas, Blowers Gallery, Asheville , NC
2021, Annual Big Crafty, Pack Square , Asheville, NC
2020, Annual Big Crafty, Online, Asheville, NC
2020, The Undergrowth Lunar Function, Foundations Gallery, Asheville, NC
2019, Annual Big Crafty, Harrah's Convention Center, Asheville, NC
2019, Illustration and Narrative Art, Zapow, Asheville, NC
2019, 52nd Annual Juried Student Showcase, Ramp Gallery, Asheville, NC
2018, 52nd Annual Juried Student Showcase, Asheville Area Arts Council, Asheville, NC
Press:
“These Sprinkles and Cookie Jars Kick It Up A Notch.” The Boston Globe. December 14th, 2022 https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/12/13/lifestyle/these-sprinkles-cookie-jars-kick-it-up-notch/
Malesovas H. Interviewee “Blowers Gallery exhibition displays Harry Malesovas and Samuel Joyner’s juxtaposing artistry.” The Blue Banner. January 26th, 2022 https://thebluebanner.net/12949/arts-features/blowers-gallery-exhibition-displays-harry-malesovas-and-samuel-joyners-juxtaposing-artistry/
Video Publications:
Malesovas H. Interviewee “CHUM Basement Gallery.” The Commons Collective. January 8th, 2021 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPWxt3D7o3w&ab_channel=THECOMMONS