TERRACOTTA CORRIDOR
“Clay pipe was invented for specific uses; it never would have been invented for art. It took a few ceramics geniuses to imagine new possibilities.” — Tom Franco, Mission Clay artist-in-residence
Have you been introduced to the captivating world of the Terracotta Corridor? This expansive outdoor exhibition is now on display in Napa’s Rail Arts District and boasts 21 impressive clay pipe sculptures. Presented by Mission Clay Products and Rail Arts District Napa (RAD), it’s a fusion of artistry and industry that’s truly a sight to behold. Curated with care by Shelly Willis and John Toki, the exhibition features selections from 11 exceptional artists, including Alan Chin, Cameron Crawford, Ann Christenson, Carolyn Ford, Tom Franco, Robert Harrison, Susannah Israel, Lisa Reinertson, Patrick Siler, John Toki, and Rimas VisGirda. These artists brought their creations to life during residencies at the esteemed Mission Clay Art & Industry Program. Remarkably, a total of 21 sculptures made their journey to Napa.
I had the privilege of attending an enthralling presentation on the Terracotta Corridor by John Toki and Bryan Vansell, the visionary Founder and Director of the Mission Clay Art & Industry Program. This event unfolded during the California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Art (CCACA) in Davis a few months back. Some participating artists shared their experiences during the presentation. Hearing their stories, challenges, and inventive solutions was fascinating. Can you imagine some artists had to complete the process of carving and glazing the 6 to 8 feet clay pipe extrusions within days due to the fast drying speed at the location of the residency program in Phoenix, Arizona? Following the enlightening presentation was a book signing for the recently unveiled exhibition catalog. This beautifully illustrated 80-page catalog delves into the history of the Art & Industry Program, the sculptures themselves, and the brilliant ceramic artists behind them, adding depth and dimension to the viewer’s journey.
What makes this exhibition unique is its ingenious concept and dynamic viewing experience. The exhibit harmoniously blends creativity and industry with the Mission Clay Products facility, renowned for its sewer pipe production, which also serves as the very origin of these extraordinary sculptures. This fusion transforms ordinary sewer pipes intended to be underground and unseen into impressive standing masterpieces. As John aptly noted, “Unique to the viewing experience is that artworks in most cases viewed in ‘in motion’—people traveling on the Napa Wine Train at 20 miles per hour, people on bicycles and scooters, and those running or walking or even driving around the city of Napa near the Vine Trail.”
Why not treat yourself to a day of artistic exploration? Experience the enchantment of the Terracotta Corridor in Napa and witness the transformative power of clay, passion, and imagination. I’m excitedly planning my visit. The exhibition is accessible along the Napa Vine Trail, Oxbow Public Marketplace, and near the Culinary Institute of America (Copia) until December 2023. You can see the location of the sculptures on this map.
If you want to know more about this amazing project, an exquisite exhibition catalog titled “Terracotta Corridor” is available now at the Napa Wine Train Gift Shop at 1275 McKinstry Street in Napa. If you are interested but can’t make it to Napa, the link to purchase the catalog will soon be added to the RAD website. Owning this catalog is like holding a piece of the exhibition’s magic.
And, make sure to check out these captivating short videos:
Installation of Terracotta Corridor – Rail Arts District, Napa, CA. 2022
Mission Clay Art & Industry – Making Pipe Sculpture 2022.
Submitted by Mari Emmori (image: exhibition catalog cover)
Kanayama Woodfiring Workshop – September 17 to October 8, 2023
Lee Middleman will host a woodfiring event in Aomori, Japan (September 17 to October 8, 2023) accompanied by 2 American and Canadian potters: ACGA members Miki Shim-Rutter and Chelsea Fried and Alan Lacovesty. Lee has participated and organized over 10 such events since 2004.
Beginning 2002, over 130 ceramic artists and potters from around the world have been selected to participate in similar woodfire programs at Kanayama. The program ended in 2012. The program focused on the exchange of techniques and ideas about ceramic art and wood fire. By working together and freely sharing information, the sponsors encouraged mutual understanding and cooperation among potters throughout the world. Lee hopes this mini-program revives the tradition.
They will also explore the Jōmon ceramic history and Aomori culture. The Jōmon pottery (縄文土器, Jōmon doki) is a type of ancient earthenware pottery which was made during Jomon period (c. 14,000 and 300 BC) in Japan. . The term “Jōmon” (縄文) means “rope-patterned” in Japanese, describing the patterns that are pressed into the clay. Fragments have been dated as early as 14,500 BCE.
This is Lee’s first return trip to Japan since Covid interrupted his strong interest in exploring Japanese ceramics and culture. He will post activities and results on social media.
A Seat at the Table and More
Linda S. Fitz Gibbon will be participating in several upcoming exhibitions in August/September: Clay Art Center, NY “Functional Fall: A Seat at the Table”, Juror Jessica Putnam Phillips; Axis Gallery “In Limbo: 18th National Juried Exhibition”, Juror Emily Zaiden; LH Horton Jr. Gallery at San Joaquin Delta College “Visions in Clay” Juror Joan Takayama-Ogawa; Cosumnes River College Art Gallery Faculty Exhibition, and the Verge Center for the Arts Sac Open Studio Preview Exhibition. Her studio will be open to the public Weekend 1: Sept. 9/10 from 10am to 5pm.
“The Art of a Story” in Danville
The Art of a Story
13th Annual Juried Exhibition
Village Theater & Art Gallery
233 Front Street, Danville, CA 94526
June 9-August 11, 2023
Three ceramic pieces by Sally Jackson are included in this multi-media exhibition, which features art inspired by books, stories, and literary themes. Open Monday and Tuesday by appointment, Wednesday-Friday 12 – 5 pm, and Saturday 11 – 3 pm. Stop by if you’re in Danville — the gallery is close to I-680 just off Diablo Drive. Shown here: Three Books, 2023
Click here for more details: Village Theater and Art Gallery
Landscape Perspectives
June 2–July 22, 2023
June 9, 5–8pm: Reception and Art Walk
July 14, 5–8pm: Reception and Art Walk
The exhibit, Landscape Perspectives, reimagines and celebrates traditional landscape-based artwork by offering a diverse collection of expressions, approaches, and interpretations. From realism to surrealism, to abstraction, and beyond; viewers will surely enjoy this multi-dimensional experience.
Exhibiting ArtistsChris Adessa, Sheldon Bachus, Barry Beach, Benjamin Benet, Debra Bibel, Jenny Blackburn, John Bucklin, Annette LeMay Burke, Morgan Carhart, Gail Caulfield, Dana Christensen, Patrick Cosgrove, Norma Dimaulo, Janey Fritsche, April Gavin, Wendy Goldberg, Lisa Gonzalves, Gail Gurman, Janet Jacobs, Clementine Keenan, Catherine LEE, Kathleen Lipinski, Liz Mamorsky, Michael Manente, Gary Marsh, Gail Morrison, Kathy Pallie, Cindy Pavlinac, Amrita Singhal, Sue Weil, Rusty Weston, Emil Yanos, June Yokell, Jeffrey Zalles
Juror: Kim Eagles-Smith, owner and director Kim Eagles-Smith Gallery, Mill Valley CA, www.kesfineart.com
Juror Statement:
“In my selections for this exhibit I used the following guidelines: The artist’s ambition, that they made a serious attempt to create a work of substance. That the artist exhibited a suitable rigor of craftmanship.
I was also looking for examples that began with a creative idea to express the theme of this show and was more than a simple depiction. I also was mindful of selecting as much diversity of media as the limits of selection and works submitted would allow.”
Kim Eagles-Smith
Captions:
Kathy Pallie “From the Fire” It is a set of 5 raku fired ceramic leaves each 21”H x 5”L with 2” deep mounting blocks for wall installation.
Emil Yanos “Outcropping” Ceramic wall sculpture, Thrown, carved and altered. Ungerglazes, fired to cone 5. 10.75″h x 10.75″w x 3.25″d
NY2CA Gallery Presents “Reciprocity”
A Two Person Exhibition by Melina Meza and Melissa Woodburn
June 8 – Aug. 6
Artists’ Reception June 10, 3–6pm
617 – 1st Street, Benicia, CA
