Ira Jon Burhans received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota, in 1980. His concentration was in ceramic art, with a minor in sculpture. During this time, he completed an internship at Clayworks Studio Workshop in New York City. Ira studied various forms of ceramics, including both functional and sculptural pieces, and explored many of the different firing processes that transform basic raw materials into final ceramic artworks. Currently, Ira produces a diverse range of unique, functional wheel-thrown stoneware pottery. After three decades of hard work in his studio in Palm Harbor, Florida, he has gained national recognition for his pottery. His work is represented in over 100 galleries across the country and has been sold as far away as the Virgin Islands and Guam.