The Uncommon Denominator: A Tribute to Richard Hirsch presents a spectrum of aesthetic eloquence and technical mastery in the ceramic arts. The traveling exhibition and accompanying catalog celebrate the career of Richard Hirsch through the work of a selection of his alumni. Hirsch has achieved professional recognition both as a ceramic artist and teacher.

During his teaching career, which has spanned over thirty years, he has been a faculty member of two prominent craft programs: the Program in Artisanry at Boston University, and currently, the School for American Crafts at Rochester Institute of Technology. Many of Hirsch's former students have established their own outstanding careers in the contemporary ceramics field. Represented in The Uncommon Denominator are notable examples of the renaissance in utilitarian pottery, continued interest in the vessel aesthetic, and the investigation of both figurative and abstract sculpture.

Examples of ceramic works in the book at right, from top: L.T. Mickelson, E. B. DePaolo, T. Ohi.