Lauren Hollowniczky- Amur Leopard Mug

This ceramic mug is hand thrown and sculpted from white stoneware, and holds 14 fluid ounces. This piece is microwave and top-shelf dishwasher safe, however hand washing is recommended due to the fragile nature of handmade ceramics. 

The profits of this Amur Leopard sculpture mug will go towards the Great Plains Foundation to directly benefit big cats. The GPFs overall mission is to conserve and expand natural habitats in Africa through innovative conservation initiatives and community outreach. This foundation specifically manages the Big Cats Initiative, previously under National Geographic. This conservation initiative works on acquiring and preserving land for big cats and reducing human-wildlife conflict. To learn more about their work please visit https://greatplainsfoundation.com/

This mug is one of three pieces created by the artist, Lauren Hollowniczky, for this event, each of which feature a species facing critical threats to their habitat and populations. Funds for each mug will go directly towards supporting conservation efforts for the species represented in the art piece. Lauren pulls inspiration for her art from her time working as an animal and conservation educator, where she was able to work closely with a variety of animals and further her passion for wildlife.

Lauren is a Philly based potter, who is a lifelong painter turned ceramic artist. With a desire to paint functional pieces, she turned to the potter's wheel in January of 2024 and has not stopped since. Throughout her pottery experience, Lauren began experimenting with sculpting, an aspect you can find on many of her pieces. Before taking the leap into pursing her art career full-time, Lauren worked as an animal and conservation educator for five years, where she was able to work closely with a variety of animals and further her passion for wildlife. A wide selection of her work, including her three pieces in the Art of Conservation fundraiser, feature detailed wildlife sculptures, largely inspired by her previous work and goal to continue to bring animal and conservation awareness through her work as an artist. At the start of this year, Lauren launched her small pottery business under the name Capy Clay Ceramics, inspired by her love of capybaras and their shared admiration of mud. She has loved attending her first art festivals this year and looks forward to developing her career as a ceramic artist!

To see more of Lauren's creations be sure to follow her on Instagram @capyclayceramics