2017 State of the Art: Ceramics Invitational

 "Inspiration and Admiration"

  • Monday, November 13, 2017 – Saturday, February 3, 2018
  • Curated bu Bill Griffith
  • Reception: Thursday, November 16, 2017, 5:30-7:30 pm; Gallery Talk at 6:30 pm by Bill Griffith; live music by Parkland Guitar Ensemble
  • Participating artists include Jennifer Allen, Peter Beasecker, Andy Brayman, Rebecca Chappell, Sam Chung, TJ Erdahl, Steven Godfrey, Giselle Hicks, Matt Kelleher, Beth Lo, Andrea Moon, Mark Pharis, Shoko Teruyama, Dryden Wells, Russell Wrankle, and Kensuke Yamada. 

The theme of this year's biennial invitational is Inspiration and Admiration. Griffith is a practicing artist and currently the Outreach and Partnership Liaison at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. He has selected eight contemporary ceramic artists and has asked each of them to select an artist whose ceramic work they admire and find inspirational to participate in the group ceramic exhibition as well. Highlighting how contemporary artists are interconnected through their conversations, processes, and relationships, this exhibition focuses on how artists can motivate creativity amongst one another. In his curatorial statement, Griffith explains his method of curating the invitational. "I began reflecting on the many established and emerging artists across all media whom I have been so fortunate to meet and work closely with over the past 30 years through my administrative position at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts," he said. "During my tenure, I have remained in awe of many artist’s technical skills and aesthetic sensibilities. Often during conversations with these artists, I discovered that they were inspired by the work of (and their admiration for) other artists who contributed significantly to their artistic direction and personal aesthetic development. Therefore, I selected the theme of exploring the artists and art that inspires other artists."