Gus morcate is not your average teacher, as are any at Frostproof Middle and Senior High School. Morcate holds a Masters in Fine Arts from the University of South Florida with an emphasis in Ceramics. He has exhibited his work state wide and nationally. His awards include Emerging Artist award for the Gasparilla Art Show in Tampa. He has exhibited in Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico, in addition to local shows. He was an adjunct faculty member at South Florida Community College and the University of South Florida in addition to his own creative endeavors.
This is not a man who falls into the cliche of those that can't do, teach. He does what he teaches and more. His creation americanraku.com is a vibrant web site with his work, and a video presentation on how he creates his ceramic pieces based on ancient japanese ceremony. So take a class from Morcate online too! His artist statement is also a cultural class. "Childhood memories of growing up in Cuba percolate through my sculptures. A favorite set of associations relates to the ritual of the Caribbean celebration of Carnival. I draw my rich heritage as the inspiration... Color, texture and pattern combine to create diverse sets of characters I have cast in the theatre of my imagination. These sculptures bear the signature of who I am.