NEWSLETTER January 2021
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
When 2020 was new and freshly hatched, I thought how auspicious it was to be entering a year with the numbers 20/20. Immediately my mind went to vision. I was imagining an opportunity to see things with more clarity, gain insight, a chance to grow. Little did I know!
I think we are all ready to say good-bye to 2020, and yet as I write these words, I realize that 2021 will be a year of uncertainty. For ACGA, we are assessing the viability and timing of a potential Clay and Glass Festival. We are looking at our budget, attempting to project with many unknowns. We are looking to grow and develop additional programs and opportunities for our artists. We do this in the middle of this ongoing pandemic, trusting and believing in better days.
Seldom do I reach out and ask, but I’m going to do it now. Please consider a year-end donation to ACGA. Though not tax deductible due to type of non- profit we are, it is money that will be used wisely to help us all. I have always been a bit of a dreamer, a creator, lassoing vision, channeling energy and believing in making things better. Most times, making things happen takes money. Please join me in donating. Every bit helps. Send a check to April, our treasurer at 897 Hillcrest Dr. Felton CA 95018
With thanks and hope, Cheryl Costantini
Cheryl Costantini
MEMBER NEWS
Garden Art
ACGA Online Exhibition coming soon!
Look for a call for entries soon for our next online exhibit. We will select images of ACGA members’ work, photographed in garden settings. The deadline to submit photos will be in early February.
Linda S Fitz Gibbon
A ceramic and mixed media sculpture, VT Abstract #2, by Linda S Fitz Gibbon was selected for the 80th Crocker Kingsley Exhibit by Juror Carrie Lederer, Oakland based painter, sculptor, and installation artist. The biennial, now national exhibition will be hosted by Blue Line Arts from January 8th through February 20th, 2021.
Blue Line Arts 405 Vernon Street, Suite #100, Roseville, CA 95678
Kathy Pallie
Kathy’s artwork, “The Artist and Her Art” is in the Epperson National Clay Competition 2020 at the Epperson Gallery of Ceramic Arts in Crockett, CA. The exhibit dates are extended thru Feb. 21. She was at “Meet the Artist” event on December 19th.
“After an exciting career in commercial art designing with many different media, I rediscovered clay, a tactile and intriguing material that has captured my interest ever since. My clay artwork is mostly hand- built, using clay slabs, coils, and extruded components, evoking both the visual and tactile senses. My work ranges in scale from small 3″ coil baskets to large-scale architectural installation such as the 4′ x 8′ Ritz-Carlton Hotel wall of aspen trees. Inspired by Nature, an organic thread flows through my work reflecting the unlimited variety of surface textures, patterns, and energy I find in my natural surroundings. With clay as my medium, I express these influences with a twist of a trompe l’oeil effect. I enjoy creating artworks that allow me to bring the essence of the outdoors into interior spaces.”
Carmen Lang
Carmen’s work is in Art Objects “Palette to Palate” at the Natsoulas Gallery in Davis.
December 2nd, 2020 to January 24th, 2021
521 First Street
Davis, CA 95605
Phone: 530.756.3938
Email: art@natsoulas.com
Natasha Dikareva
Natasha Dikareva produced a whole new series of works incorporating handblown glass elements in preparation for her solo exhibition, Certain About Uncertainty at Abrams Claghorn Gallery in Albany, CA. Because of the pandemic this exhibition has moved online and goes through January 15th. You can browse her pieces at the link above.
“In November we moved to the East Coast’s rural area one hour north from Boston! I am enjoying my new studio and almost finished sculpting my first piece, The Siren, inspired by the woods that surrounds us. As I am writing this, snowflakes descent gently behind the windows. White blanket is covering the surroundings to regenerate life for a fresh start”
December 3rd, 2020 – January 15, 2021
Barbara Brown’s New Year Studio Cleaning Ritual
“Every year as the year ends I do a studio cleaning ritual so I can start the new year with purpose and good energy. My ceramic artist friend, Bea Wax introduced me to the American Indian tradition called Smudging by giving me a sage smudge stick. You clean your studio and then light the smudge stick till it smokes and walk around the perimeter of your studio, giving special attention to corners and places behind doors. Have ready a fireproof receptacle such as a shell, glass or ceramic dish to put the smudge stick in when you’re finished and make sure your smudge stick is out before leaving the studio.
On New Year’s day I go to the studio and make at least one new piece of work to start the new year with
purpose and good energy.
Have a wonderful, Happy New Year filled with creative energy.
Barbara”
Josie Jurczenia
Planning for the Sacramento NCECA Conference (March 16-19,2022) has begun. I am writing to you in my role as a member of the Advance Planning Committee. As one of the representatives from the Oakland/Berkeley/San Francisco Area, I would like to keep you informed about what’s happening and how you might like to participate.
Although our area is on “the fringes” geographically to the main event and we in no way want to take the focus away from the events that will be happening in Sacramento during the NCECA conference, I am hoping our Bay Area ceramic artists, studios and galleries will want to come up with pre and post conference events. There might be as many as 6,000 attendees to the 2022 NCECA conference and many of them will be traveling through the Bay Area on their way to the conference. Our pre and post conference events could provide a great opportunity to get folks to take a detour off the freeway and get to know our diverse and exciting Bay Area ceramics scene.
There is lots of time for you to start thinking up something special for you and/or your studio/gallery to do…an exciting exhibition, open studio event, tour ???…the possibilities are endless. About 12 months prior to March 2022 I would like to start putting together a map listing your pre and post conference events. I hope to post this information on-line as well as in printed form so that it is readily available well before and during the conference. Other areas in our region are also planning pre and post conference events and we are hoping to get together a coordinated calendar. This is going to be an extremely exciting time here for all things ceramic.
Do you have a dynamite idea for a concurrent show for the conference? The proposals are due in April 2021. These shows are supported by NCECA (which generally means they supply the space and the show will be listed in official NCECA literature). If you have an interesting idea for a show please consider submitting a proposal. Go to the NCECA site for more information: https://nceca.net. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me if you have ideas or
suggestions about what you’d like to see happen at the 2022 Sacramento conference. I will be happy to pass along your ideas along. If you would please pass this information along to any ceramic artists,studios or galleries you feel might be interested.
WORKSHOPS AND VIRTUAL CLASSES
Please visit ACGA’s EVENTS/WORKSHOPS page for a complete list of upcoming classes and workshops.
EXHIBITIONS
NOTE: Some of the dates/activities may no longer be correct, be sure to contact the organizer to confirm.
BERKELEY
TRAX GALLERY
Online “Beauty and Delight” through December 13
Featuring new works by Mike Helke, Kari Radasch and Scott Parady.
TRAX open hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 12 – 5:30 walk ins welcome through Dec. 20th
TRAX ArtBnB is again available for bookings.
TRAX Gallery has five unique Peter Voulkos color lithos
32″ x 24″, 1979, $1000 each, signed, unframed, email for more info.
1812 5th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
510.540.8729 info@traxgallery.com www.traxgallery.com
by appointment – call: 510.540.8729 or text 510.914.1303
ALBANY
ABRAMS CLAGHORN GALLERY
Natasha Dikareva – Certain About Uncertainty
December 3 – January 15, 2021
The only wisdom is what we let go of trying to know.
Comfort must be born from the uncomfortable.
You don’t need legs to walk, nor ears to hear.
For in the unknown, there is nothing to fear.
–Kona Morris
This exhibition has moved online and goes through January 15th. You can browse her pieces at the link below.
SAN FRANCISCO
Asian Art Museum
Temporarily Closed
Since reopening in early October, the museum has enthusiastically — and safely — welcomed back thousands of visitors to connect with the healing and inspirational power of art.
However, due to the increase in COVID-19 cases and in accordance with state and city health and safety directives, the Asian Art Museum will temporarily close to the public until further notice.
All virtual events will continue as planned and you can shop online at the Cha Museum Boutique — which is a great way to support the museum.Continue to check our website for updates and follow us on Facebook or Instagram to learn about upcoming virtual events and programs.
While we are temporarily closed, we encourage you to #MuseumFromHome and engage with art at a distance. The Website https://asianart.org/ has a list of digital experiences to keep your spirits up and the inspiration flowing.
200 Larkin Street • San Francisco, CA 94102 | 415.581.3500
CROCKETT
Epperson Gallery of Ceramic Art
The Epperson National Clay Competition is a Juried Show of 45 Ceramic pieces of Art, chosen from a field of over 500 submissions from around the country.
The Juror this year was Scott Shields, the Chief Curator of the Crocker Art Museum.
This Exhibition showcases the best Contemporary Ceramic Art being produced in the United States.
Friday – Sunday: 11:00am 5:00pm – Anytime by Appointment – Frances Jackson
510-787-2925
DAVIS
Davis Arts Center
If you have not linked on it lately – www.ACGA.net – there have been many changes and updates. The most recent: https://acga.net/2020-davis-center/ addition of a virtual showing of the Davis Arts Center ACGA show “Ceramics in Focus :2020”, that for obvious reasons is not live.
OAKLAND
Applied Contemporary Craft Gallery
“Constructed Ceramics”
The opening reception is Saturday, November 7, 3-6 pm.
473 25th Street, Oakland CA 94612
OJAI
We recently created a short video to share the first chapter of the book, Intersection: Art & Life. The book explores the role of the arts historically, and features inspiring works by contemporary artists.
Watch the Video:
Click Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX0ZJU-y8dE&feature=youtu.be
This video shares the first chapter of the book Intersection: Art & Life. The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is expanding virtual programming in order to serve the larger community.
Kevin Wallace, Director of the Center, wrote the book to share the Center’s educational philosophy through exploring the role of the arts historically, as well as inspiring works by contemporary artists. The book is dedicated to Beatrice Wood, as it is based upon her unique approach to the arts and cultural studies.
Become a member of the Center at the $30 level and we will mail you a copy of Intersection: Art & Life, or choose from our selection of thank you gifts.
8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Rd. (in Upper Ojai) – Ojai, CA 93023 Tel: (805) 646-3381
Email: BeatriceWoodCenter@gmail.com
POMONA
AMOCA – The American Museum of Ceramic Art
info@amoca.org, or call (909) 865-3146.
Museum Reopening on Hold
Governor Newsom announced that museums and other indoor venues in LA County and 18 other counties will remain closed at this time.
AMOCA Members and residents of Pomona have first access to complimentary timed admission tickets. Click here to reserve tickets.
AMOCA members and residents of the City of Pomona can reserve complimentary tickets online. Tickets are required for admission and must be reserved online at least one day in advance.
Complimentary tickets are required for admission and must be reserved online a day in advance. Complimentary Private Members Tours – In-Person or Virtual!
AMOCA members are invited to schedule in-person or virtual private tours of our current exhibitions.
These small-group experiences with a staff member or docent are a remarkable way to experience the exhibits on view.
As a thank-you for your continued support, you are invited to enjoy these special tours free of charge. On behalf of everyone at AMOCA, we are grateful for your support and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Kim Tucker: Primal Beings, Ghosts, and Human Dummies
Alyson Brandes is a graduate of Chapman University and a 2020 Getty Marrow Undergraduate Intern at AMOCA. During her internship, Brandes writes periodically for AMOCA.org, and posts on Instagram and Facebook on Tuesdays. “As part of my internship, an ongoing project that I’ve been working on involves researching artists for a future exhibition on women working with ceramics in California. ” In her eleventh blog, Kim Tucker: Primal Beings, Ghosts, and Human Dummies, Brandes explores Tucker’s “handmade, organic aesthetic.”
frontdesk@amoca.org
http://www.amoca.org
399 N Garey Ave
Museum: 909.865.3146
Studio: 909.622.0464
ROSEVILLE
Blue Line Arts
Off Center
Since the first ceramics were created, like Venus of Dolní Věstonice, before 25,000 BCE and pottery vessels that were discovered in Jiangxi, China, which date back to 18,000 BCE, people have been fascinated with clay. Today, artists continue to astound us as they push the boundaries of our preconceived ideas of what ceramics represent. From playful pieces disguised as everyday objects, to finely detailed vessels, ceramics delights and surprises us in its evolution.
Whether you work in a more traditional style, or prefer completely outlandish creations, we showcase your vision and techniques from around the world during this annual show.
https://www.bluelinearts.org/shop-coker-family-gallery
info@bluelinearts.org
405 VERNON ST STE 100
ROSEVILLE, CA 95678-2636
(916) 783-4117
SACRAMENTO
The Crocker Art Museum
The Crocker Art Museum is delighted to welcome to its collection “Duck Out,” a gift from Bay Area sculptor Calvin Ma, whose ceramic, toy-like figure is suspended in the moment of fight or flight.
“Duck Out” joins “Around and Around,” another sculpture by Ma, in the Crocker’s renowned collection of international ceramics. Through both
sculptures, Ma gives form to his experience with social anxiety, a disorder that impacts nearly 15 million American adults who experience a persistent, intense fear of being judged by others.
For more information and to view images, click here: https://www.crockerart.org/press/calvinmaduckout
STANFORD
Contemporary American Ceramics Wisch Family Gallery – Formed and Fired
March 13th, 2020 – February 22nd, 2021
The practices of four living artists are presented in “Formed and Fired: Contemporary American Ceramics” at the Anderson Collection at Stanford University.
Virtual tour is available online at museum.stanford.edu.
RESIDENCIES
2020-2021 Fall Residency, Sonoma Ceramics
https://sonomacommunitycenter.org/ceramics/ceramics-residency-program/
We offer two, 6-month, all-inclusive residencies per year for potters or ceramic sculptors. Applications are open for this 6-month, all inclusive residency. Open to potters and sculptors on a professional trajectory. The Ceramic Artist in Residence program offers a self- directed emerging or established ceramic artist a supportive work environment to explore ideas and create a cohesive body of work.
https://sonomacc.wpengine.com/category/ceramics/
360xochiquetzal
YOUR PERSONAL RESIDENCY IN MEXICO
Superb live/work studio space for artists & writers. This summer and fall you can prepare for a show, finish a manuscript, collect your thoughts, or plan your next body of work. Located on Lake Chapala, nestled in a ring of mountains with colorful fishing villages strung like pearls along the north shore, a slower pace of life awaits you.
When it gets hot and muggy where you live, you can be here painting or writing to your heart’s content where the weather is fresh and delightful. We still have several private studio apartments available You can focus on your creative work and enjoy our gorgeous scenery and perfect year-round climate.
Rates, descriptions & pictures: https://360xochiquetzal.com/personal-residency-program/
For more info write: 20360xochiquetzal@gmail.com
Join our group Facebook page: %360-Xochi-Quetzal –
Follow us on Twitter: @360XochiQuetzal
and Instagram: @360xochiquetzal
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
Platinum
The Potters’ Studio
510/528-328
61221 8th St
Berkeley CA 94710
Gold
Clay Hand Studios
Contact: Nanette Mattos
660 Van Ness,
Fresno, CA 93721