Inside Art with Michael Rose - Ceramic Artists Celebrate Community

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Michael Rose, Art Contributor

 

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PHOTO: Michael Rose

 

Ceramic artists tend to have a more communal sensibility than many of their artistic peers. Where artists in other media tend to work solo in discrete studios, ceramists more often have to band together to share wheels and kilns. At the Jamestown Arts Center, a current exhibition shows off the energetic spirit of connectedness that comes with making ceramics.

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On view through March 16, Centering: Clay and Community offers a collection of ceramic works by artists who have participated in JAC’s Ceramic Artist Residency Program (CARP). Exhibitors include David Beretta, Ellen Bulger, Rosemary Burns, Michael Cole, Karen Dolmanisth, Joanna Grocott, Samira Hakki, Andrew Hunter, Shannon Kennelly, Susan Mailloux, Kelly McDermott, Becky Olien, Tory Reiff, Nicholas Shapin, Diane Terry, Michele Umbenhauer and Alexi Sarah Widoff. It was co-curated by Jon Baylor and Melinda Katherine Frederick.

 

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PHOTO: Michael Rose

 

The variety on offer in the exhibition shows off what can be done with clay. From works that are practical and usable, to objects that are purely sculptural, the range of forms is exciting. Some standouts include abstracted forms by Rosemary Burns and beautifully illustrated bowls by Susan Mailloux. Ceramic animals by Becky Olien pair nicely with a contorting set of tentacles by Samira Hakki. Andrew Hunter and Karen Dolmanisth are exhibiting works of ambitious scale. The showcase has much to see.

 

Asked what makes the ceramics community at JAC special, co-curator and JAC’s Director of Education Melinda Katherine Frederick replies, “The ceramics community at JAC became what it is today in response to the need to provide more access to the Ceramics Studio. Rather than holding on to a workspace to fulfill their own artistic needs alone, participants in the Ceramic Artist Residency Program were asked to let go, be generous, and put the greater good above themselves.”

 

Frederick continues, “This act of personal sacrifice and resilience has strengthened the bonds between the students and artists using the space. This has resulted in a community of mutual support, respect and trust that is indeed special, and that has informed the work of each participating artist in a myriad of ways.”

 

Some of the strongest objects on view are vibrant and colorful pieces by Tory Reiff. Highly textural and brightly toned, Reiff’s ceramics are eye-catching and immediately recognizable. Reiff’s ceramic works can be found at other venues in Rhode Island, and she will be in a group exhibition at Wakefield’s Hera Gallery in March.

 

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PHOTO: Michael Rose

 

For Reiff, the CARP program at JAC has been impactful. She explains, “Joining the CARP program marked a turning point in my artistic practice. Under Melinda and Jon’s visionary leadership, CARP has provided me with a supportive environment for development and growth, enabling me to dive deeper into my craft through focused studio time, collaborative exchange, and critique. This environment has facilitated my artistic growth and I am so grateful for the experience and the many amazing people I have gotten to know in the studio- it’s a special place.”

 

Asked what it means to her to be featured in the CARP exhibition, Reiff is enthusiastic, saying, “Exhibiting my work in the very space where it was created is a gratifying experience. Opening the doors to the community, inviting them to experience the diverse and exciting work emerging from our little studio, feels akin to sharing a well-kept secret. It’s a source of pride to be a part of such a dynamic community of artists.”

 

The ceramics in this strong show are being displayed in galleries that are immediately adjacent to the organization’s clay facilities. It offers viewers the unique chance to see studio and artwork side by side.

 

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PHOTO: Michael Rose

 

Asked what sets this exhibition apart, co-curator Jon Baylor, owner of Sale Pond Pottery, says, “What makes this show special for me is that it’s not only a collection of varied ceramic work, but a celebration of community. Ceramics is having its moment in our greater culture, but to see how a studio experience brings people together is special. Our studio members are great resources to one another to help with technical or aesthetic issues, but the real story is in the friendships that are formed. Community studios play a vital role in bringing people together.”

 

The spirit behind JAC’s ceramics show will make viewers want to get their hands on some clay and join in the making. It also should be an inspiration for other artists to get out of their comfort zones and private studios to take part in conversation and camaraderie.

 

Centering: Clay and Community is on view at Jamestown Arts Center through March 16, 2024. JAC is located at 18 Valley Street in Jamestown and is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 am - 3 pm, or other times by appointment. Learn more and plan your visit at www.jamestownartcenter.org.

Michael Rose is a multi-talented fine art professional based in Southern New England. Since 2014 he has served as the gallery manager at the historic Providence Art Club, one of the nation’s oldest arts organizations. Through his current freelance work he advises collectors and artists, provides appraisal services, teaches, and completes curatorial projects.

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