National Biennial Ceramics Invitational

State of the Art 2010
Curated by Erin Furimsky
February 15 - March 30, 2010

  • Reception: February 18, 6-8 p.m., gallery lounge,
  • Live music by the Parkland College Guitar Ensemble
  • Gallery Talk at 7 p.m.

Wesley Harvey, Bunny BootExplore the compelling potency of the sculptural ceramic object, as well as its important role in contemporary ceramics, during the 12th National Biennial Ceramics Invitational, to be held February 15 through March 30 at the Parkland Art Gallery.
An artists’ reception on Thursday, February 18 from 6-8 p.m. in the gallery lounge will feature a talk by invitational curator Erin Furimsky. An additional talk by participating artist Pattie Chalmers will be held on Monday, March 15 at 10:30 a.m. in Room S117 (South Building).

This exhibition seeks to provide an in-depth look at contemporary ceramics and features artists from nine states: California, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas. Furimsky, an assistant professor at Illinois State University in Normal since 2007, was recognized as the 2006 Emerging Artist by the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts. Inviting 10 artists to participate, Furimsky says their work, “on some level, involves a close examination of the frequently dismissed mundane objects that surround us all. Figurines, kitschy nick-nacks, disposable containers, collectables, consumer electronics, and relics of pop culture can all be mined for their rich cultural, political, and historical significance. This artistic exploration helps to define, comment on, and expose various aspects of one’s relationships with objects as well as each other in our society. The work included in this exhibition might for example, evoke personal memories, address the pace of contemporary life, or expose social injustice.”

Participating artists include Pattie Chalmers, Wesley Harvey, Tim Kowalczyk, Stephanie Lanter, Katie Parker, Amy Santoferraro, Kelly A. Schnorr, Benji Schulman, Virginia Scotchie, and Michaelene Walsh. A beautiful and informative catalogue for the exhibition will be available for sale through the Parkland Art Gallery, featuring a biography, artist statement, and images of artwork by each of the artists.

Image: Wesley Harvey, Bunny Boot: porcelain, glaze, gold leaf, rayon fibers