George Bowes (b. 1961) is a ceramic artist whose colorful vessels and sculptures explore relationships among beauty, utility, humor and social commentary. Born in Toledo, Ohio, Bowes earned a B.F.A. (1984) from the Cleveland Institute of Art and an M.F.A. (2001) from the University of California, Davis. Working primarily in porcelain and other ceramic materials, he creates functional pottery, sculptural objects, tiles and mixed-media installations characterized by bold colors, elaborate patterns and richly glazed surfaces. His work frequently incorporates provocative observations about contemporary society, politics and human behavior, challenging conventional distinctions between decorative and fine art. Bowes has taught at institutions including Georgia State University, the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and College of the Mainland in Texas. He has received fellowships from the Ohio Arts Council and Arts Midwest/National Endowment for the Arts. His work is held in major collections including the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Renwick Gallery, Crocker Art Museum, and Minneapolis Institute of Art.