This years artists are:
Sunshine Cobb
Gerit Grimm
Chris Gustin
Akio Takamori
Patti Warashina
Stan Welsh
Every two years, the Lawrence Arts Center hosts six nationally
recognized ceramicists in a symposium on topics central to the
contemporary ceramics art world. This rare opportunity offers a chance
to interact and observe ceramic artists working in the top of the field.
Over the course of two days, this select group of artists are active in
studios at the Lawrence Arts Center demonstrating sculpting processes,
wheel throwing, surface decoration and glazing, representing a diverse
range of techniques and approaches to ceramic art. The six artists are
paired up in three studios at the Arts Center, to demonstrate their
techniques and encourage dialogue with the audience. Attendees are
encouraged to visit each of the three studios throughout the two day
symposium on Friday, October 10 and Saturday, October 11 from 9:30am to
4:30pm.
Sunshine Cobb
Gerit Grimm
Chris Gustin
Akio Takamori
Patti Warashina
Stan Welsh
A SURVEY OF CONTEMPORARY CERAMICS
Curated by Ben Ahlvers
October 10 – November 22
RECEPTION OCTOBER 10 | 7 to 9pm INSIGHT
Art Talk with Ben Ahlvers OCTOBER 23 | 7pm
This group exhibition explores juxtapositions whether they be visual
or conceptual as well as the connections that can be formed in the
context of a group exhibition. The works included in this exhibit looks
to the future in order to acknowledge the past. They make connections
and blur definitions of ceramic materials, processes. The exhibit
delectably and mysteriously explores tensions between nature and the
synthetic, the hand and the machine, history and the future. This
exhibit brings together nearly 40 artists working in North America, each
working with ceramic material and processes.
Artist’s Statement: I am a ceramicist and I am openly addicted to clay. I
produce work that has a strong connection to popular culture and
embrace traditions in ceramics. The sculptures I create are inspired by
kitsch figurines, especially Red Rose’s Wade figurines and miniatures,
and include cultural icons and reference popular movements to create a
narrative within my work. It is important to me that I include humor in
my work and it is often impish or sarcastic and is sometimes politically
charged. I also like to make things creepy and disturbing. Each series I
do is very different from the previous and each explores a topic which
is influenced by my passions or movements in contemporary culture which I
feel I need to make a comment on.
The Clay Studio, a nonprofit organization with a focus on the ceramic
arts, seeks a dynamic and knowledgeable Curator of Artistic Programs to
lead our residency, visiting artist, and exhibitions programs. The
Curator of Artistic Programs plays a leadership role in formulating
strategies that support The Clay Studio’s artistic and community
engagement goals as well as the expansion of the organization’s
reputation in the ceramic field, within our local community, and within
international craft circles. As the member of a small staff, the
Curator of Artistic Programming will be a strong team player who is
willing to roll up their sleeves and manage details and execution of all
programming, communicating among departments, and pitching in with the
very real labor involved in exhibitions, artist talks, and special
events.
The Curator of Artistic Programs is a vital senior-level staff member of
The Clay Studio who reports to the President of The Clay Studio. S/he
is responsible for oversight of support staff, achieving annual income
goals, contributing to fundraising activities, working with the Board
and Artistic Committee, and must be a highly visible member of The Clay
Studio community. S/he collaborates with the President, Senior Staff and
Board members to create, communicate and implement an array of artistic
programming.
The Clay Studio has recently adopted a new strategic plan that outlines
an extended period of growth and community partnerships. The Curator of
Artistic Programs will play a key role in executing this plan by
strengthening relationships with the Board & staff, local &
national artists, collectors, customers, and varied members of the
community.
The successful candidate must possess a broad
understanding of contemporary ceramics, curatorial practice, and the
needs of practicing artists. Furthermore, this position requires a bold
vision of community engagement, a collaborative working style, and the
ability to create exciting programs and meaningful partnerships.
Applicants must have at least 5 years experience in a senior-level
curatorial or artistic director role. An advanced degree in ceramics or
curatorial practice is preferred.
The Clay Studio is seeking a creative thinker
who also knows how to get things done independently, but is a highly
functioning member of a team. Physically, the position requires climbing
ladders, stairs, and lifting of 50 – 100 pounds is regularly required.
The successful candidate will have experience and strengths in the
following areas:
In order to be considered, please submit the following information:
Submit to Charity Thackston. [email protected] No phone calls, please.
Please submit materials via email on or before 5:00 PM, October 15, 2014
www.theclaystudio.org/about/employment.php