Ceramics Invitational Exhibition

The Artists Archive of the Western Reserve is proud to present its Ceramics Invitational Exhibition, a showing of the vibrant work of local ceramic artists. Curated by Mary Urbas, this exhibition highlights the exceptional clay community of Northeast Ohio, bringing to the forefront their unique and diverse vision of this primordial medium. The show’s ample roll call features pieces from 17 regional artists including Jeffrey Allen, Tracy Ameen, Diana Bjel, Susan Gallagher, Yumiko Goto, Michael W. High, Eva Kwong, James Leslie, Lynne Norwood Lofton, Jenny Mendes, Sandy Miller, J. Derek O’Brien, George Roby, Jack Rotar, Mindy Sand, Brinsley Tyrrell, and Theresa Yondo. 

Mary Urbas, Gallery Director at Lakeland Community College, has over 35 years of experience in the professional art world as a gallery owner, curator, teacher and consultant. Urbas’ careful selections both exalt the alchemic quality of ceramics as the invocation of art from raw elements, as well as pay homage to the artist’s mastery of texture, painterly color and transmission of idea through form.

In Mary Urbas’ curatorial statement she writes, “I appreciate that a clay artist honors the handmade object.  I respect the process of how they integrate the surface to the forms they create, initiating a relationship to the object to create a dialogue within themselves and the viewers…With this collection of artists that I brought together for the show at the Artists Archives, I chose [those] who honor their craft and incorporate the many different techniques of surface embellishments and various glaze applications into ceramic art that will be hand-built, wheel-thrown or sculptural in design.  I wanted to take advantage of a different venue- to curate and design an installation that featured artists who don’t regularly show in this area, or whom I wanted to help bring some new visibility to their work.”

Though the artists showcased vary widely in methodology, many are united by themes of organic mimicry, transformation, evolution and the discovery of wonderment in everyday phenomena.  Most importantly- they are all representatives of the vast pool of artistic talent that graces our region.  By giving a space for the exhibition of often under-exposed local artists, these pieces are allowed to thrive, flourish and as featured ceramicist, Jeffrey Allen describes it, “take on a character or soul of their own.”

Opening wine and cheese reception on Thursday, May 26th from 5:30pm-8:00pm.

Image: Lynne Norwood Lofton’s Pair of Rabbit Vases on Base