The Scripps College Ceramics Annual — the longest-running exhibition of contemporary ceramics in the United States — opens for its 67th consecutive year on Saturday, January 22, 2010 and continues through Sunday, April 3. Titled “Making Fun,” the Ceramic Annual highlights works from a younger generation of artists who address a wide range of topics while imbuing their art with a sense of humor. The exhibition is free and open to the public.
The Ceramic Annual has historically been an “artist’s choice” exhibition, with a ceramic artist personally selecting the works presented. Assistant Professor of Ceramics at Pitzer College, Tim Berg, is this year’s guest curator; he both proposed the theme and chose the artists and works that bring it to life. Professor Berg has also taught at Louisiana State and Ohio Universities, and has exhibited his work in solo exhibitions at Nääs Konsthantverk Galleri, Gothenburg, Sweden; Dean Project Gallery, Long Island City, New York; and Siegfried Gallery, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio.
The theme “Making Fun” was chosen to affirm the value of play, a creative state requiring openness, vulnerability, and creativity. Play and art are closely intertwined, each representing the impulse to shape and adapt to a changing world. The works featured maintain their sense of humor while continuing to communicate their messages. Artists include: Barnaby Barford, Pattie Chalmers, Gerit Grimm, Ayumi Horie & Sara Varon, Janice Jakielski, Mathew McConnell, Peter Morgan, Thomas Müller, Brendan Tang, and Matt Wedel.
The opening reception will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2011, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Williamson Gallery. It will include live music and light refreshments. In conjunction with the exhibition, Professor Berg will give the opening lecture in the Scripps College Humanities Auditorium, from 4 to 5 p.m. These events are free and open to the public.
The exhibition and catalog are generously supported by our sponsors, Francine and William Baker, Kirk Delman, David Furman, Gloria and Sonny Kamm, Barbara and Victor Klein, Susan and Brent Maire, Ginger and Marlin Miller, John Regan, Diane and Igal Silber, Skutt Ceramic Products, Inc., and the Paul Soldner Endowment.
The Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery is located at Eleventh Street and Columbia Avenue, adjacent to Baxter Hall. During exhibitions, the gallery is open to the public, free of charge, Wednesday through Sunday, from 1-5 p.m. For more information, please contact the gallery at (909) 607-3397 or visit the website.