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Workhouse Clay National Ceramics Exhibition, August 3-28 The Workhouse Arts Center presents the 1st Annual Workhouse National Ceramics Exhibition from August 3-28 on the second floor of Gallery W-16. This exhibition asks artists to explore the theme of "Confinement" in their functional, and/or sculptural ceramic artworks. Individual interpretations of "Confinement' may be used literally or conceptually in the work(s). To view a slideshow of art work click HERE. To jury a show is always an honor and a responsibility. In this instance, to spend time with so many images that circled a theme as broad and gripping as "Confinement" was also engaging and meaningful. Before viewing the work, I had determined that the show's theme would play a big role in my decisions. For me, that meant that some submissions of beauty and impact ended up not getting chosen because I was not compelled by their communication of any sense of the feeling of confinement. Among the almost 300 entries there was a full range of ceramic expression: pots, vessels and sculpture. Functional pottery, in some sense, can often be stretched to engage the theme because of the inherent enclosed space of most utilitarian forms. The simple act of lidding a jar speaks of confinement. But to convey that was not enough. Each piece needed to offer: clarity, a sense of resolve, a sure sense of material and an execution that took nothing away from its intent. The 50 pieces chosen for this show moved me by their expressive nature and the power of their presence. Juror Ellen Shankin has been a studio potter in the mountains of Virginia since 1977. She received her B.F.A. with honors from the N.Y. State School of Ceramics at Alfred. Recipient of a 1990 National Endowment Visual Arts Fellowship Grant, and a 2001 Virginia Museum Grant, she exhibits her work nationally and has pieces in the collections of numerous museums, including the International Museum of Ceramics at Alfred, The Mint Museum and The San Angelo Museum of Art. Her work has appeared in many periodicals and books of ceramic art. Ellen is a founding member of "16 Hands," a regional craft tour and serves on the board of directors of "Round the Mountain: Southwest Virginia's Artisan Network". Since 1992 she has pursued a growing interest in teaching workshops and has been a guest lecturer and instructor at more than 50 universities, art centers, and craft schools.
Date(s): 8/3/2011 to 8/28/2011 Venue: Gallery Building 2nd Floor Ticket Required: No Photo Gallery
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