Marcus Whitfield
Richmond, VA
Marcus Whitfield is an African-American woodworker and ceramicist based in Richmond, Virginia. His practice bridges the woodworking traditions of the Chesapeake Bay region with his own exploration of Black material culture. Whitfield creates turned vessels, carved utensils, and functional pottery that honor the handcraft traditions of the enslaved artisans who built much of Virginia's material heritage. He holds an MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University and a BFA from Hampton University. He has exhibited at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Renwick Gallery, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. He teaches woodworking at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond.
The Process
Background
Education
- 2012MFA, Craft/Material Studies — Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
- 2008BFA, Fine Arts — Hampton University, Hampton, VA
Exhibitions
- 2025Material Witness — Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, VA
- 2022Making and Meaning — Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian, Washington, DC
Residencies
- 2018Artist in Residence — Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, Rockport, ME
Awards
- 2023Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Fellowship — Richmond, VA
Available Work
Cheese Board, Reclaimed Oak
Marcus Whitfield
reclaimed white oak, mineral oil finish
Stoneware Pitcher, iron glaze
Marcus Whitfield
stoneware, iron glaze
Serving Spoons, Cherry
Marcus Whitfield
hand-carved cherry, walnut oil finish
Turned Vessel, Black Walnut
Marcus Whitfield
hand-turned black walnut, oil finish
