Inspired by laughter, Kathy O'Neal is building a loyal following for her whimsical ceramic creations, such as egg separators that sport smiling and frowning faces. The 55-year-old, non-traditional HACC student is the featured artist this month at Radius, HACC gallery and museum shop. The gallery is located on the ground floor of the State Museum of Pennsylvania, Third and North Streets in Harrisburg. An open house for O'Neal and her work is scheduled for Saturday, May 20, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Radius. The public is welcome.

Although she holds a bachelor's degree in art education, O'Neal enrolled in the contemporary crafts and marketing program at Central Pennsylvania's Community College three years ago. In 2004, she took first place with her ceramics during the HACC Student Honors Show.

"Kathy is great at incorporating fine art elements into her work" explained Jessica Lantz, curator of arts and assistant manager. "For instance, she will throw a piece on the wheel and then go back and put hand built work on it-usually in some kind of natural or organic form."

The HACC gallery and museum shop has many of O'Neal's creations on consignment. The pieces are unique because of their hand-built accents, according to Lantz.

"Some of the more popular ceramics on display include garlic keepers and egg separators," she said. "She also does tiny teapots that she hand-paints, functional teapots, teacups, wall pockets, lidded canisters, incense holders and rice bowls."

Radius is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 717-787-5590.

Radius is a partnership of HACC and the State of Pennsylvania/Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission.