The Tempe Center for the Arts celebrates their 9th anniversary showcasing clay, in honor of the traditional 9th wedding anniversary gift.
CLAY highlights a diverse selection of ceramic artwork by talented local artists from around out state offering visitors an eclectic array of art, history, imagery, and fun! The collection of work on display is innovative, captivating and often provocative, highlighting the beauty and complexity of the “clay” and how skillfully the artists handle their medium. A distinguished panel was tasked with reviewing numerous submissions for the exhibition, resulting in the selection of just 21 artists from around Arizona.
The panel included Patsy Cox an artist and professor at California State University at Northridge, Peter Held respected art appraiser and consultant, Garth Johnson the curator at Arizona State University Art Museum Ceramics Research Center and Aaron Thacker who is the Tempe Municipal Arts Commissioner.
Featuring an incredible list of artists from around the country that include: Sandy Blain, Eric Boos, Trisha Burrough, Christine Cassano, Miro Chun, Jasen Evoy, Moira Marti Geoffrion, Magda Gluszek, Elaine Isner, Bill Jamison, Jane Kelsey Mapel, Sandra Luerhsen, Constance McBride, Farraday Newsome, George Penaloza, Jeff Reich, Kazuma Sambe, Joan Waters, Danielle Wood, and Loren Yagoda.
The powerful and emotionally charged work by Constance McBride depicts two mature faces resting upon each other titled “Whispers”. A stunning ceramic sculpture coated with powdered graphite reflecting upon the artist’s experiences dealing with “an aging mother and daughters, as well as added layer of Alzheimer's disease”. Elaine Isner’s witty and quirky ceramic sculpture titled “Artist and Model,” depicts a female figure holding a briefcase and rooster walking through the grass.
Christine Cassano’s Manumission an alluring mixed media kinetic installation that is suspended from the ceiling, featuring a translucent round panel layered with twine with over 300 hand formed porcelain pieces and small round mirrors tethered down and spilling onto the floor.
The abstract ivory organic forms titled “Sirens I, II, III” created by Danielle Wood are porcelain with a low fired crawl glaze inspired by a collaboration with poet Angie Dell and are the artist’s interruption of the main characters in the poem.
“Art After Work Series” continues with create your own masterpiece taking place on December 9th from 6 to 8:30pm in the Gallery with “Paint What You Want”. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy an open studio with no instructor, only costing $25 this price includes a canvas, art supplies, instruction and one-beverage voucher for use at the lobby bar on the evening of the event. This exhibition was generously sponsored by Northern Trust and Tempe Union High School District with support from the City of Tempe, ASU Ceramics Research Center, and the Friends of the Tempe Center of the Arts.
The entire family is sure to enjoy CLAY, a wonderful exhibition that celebrates Arizona Artists who work specifically with clay. There is still plenty of time to check out CLAY at TCA, which will be on display through December 31, 2016. Come and explore the wonderful 3,500 square-foot visual arts space showcasing a variety of artwork by local and internationally recognized artists. Admission to the TCA Gallery is free with viewing hours Tuesday-Thursday 10-6 pm, Friday 10-7:30pm and on Saturday 11-6 pm. The Gallery at TCA is located at 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway Tempe. Visit the TCA Gallery online for more information regarding this exhibition, the gallery, or special events.
