Pottery artist Clarence Cruz puts an emphasis on regeneration

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The materials of pottery are ancient, of the earth itself, and they were the subject of an ''Emergence'' exhibit in April at the University of New Mexico. Almost as ancient are comparisons of the potter's shaping art to character building and soul craft.

Clarence Cruz, who received his Master of Fine Arts in studio arts with a minor in museum studies from UNM in May following the April MFA exhibit, is committed to all the facets of his art. His ''Emergence'' installation emphasized the materials of traditional Tewa pottery, which he believes form a bond between land and people; pottery is a partial but highly important expression of that bond.

''The medium of clay allows me to express a sense of connection to the earth,'' he said, in a personal statement accompanying the ''Emergence'' exhibit.