Curatorial Statement
Gallery Closing Reception: Friday, September 24, 2021 from 5-7 pm MT
Exhibition Posted Online: Monday, September 6, 2021 by 10 am MT
Red Lodge Clay Center’s biennial Juried National VI extends our mission by showcasing current relevant and diverse practices in the field of ceramics. This exhibition provides a spotlight on the breadth of work currently being made that utilizes clay as a featured material. It is our hope that the Juried National will bridge emergent and established makers, and will include some of the best utilitarian, sculptural, traditional and/or experimental work being created today.
Juror: Lorna Meaden
Lorna Meaden is currently a studio artist in Colorado, and she has been awarded residencies at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, and the Archie Bray Foundation. She received her MFA from Ohio University and her BA from Fort Lewis College.
Juror Statement:
It was an honor to be invited to jury Red Lodge Clay Center’s annual exhibition Juried National VI. It is truly a thought-provoking and unique way to participate in a group exhibition. There was a diverse selection of work from 158 artists nation-wide, with the majority having submitted multiple entries. The 58 pieces that I ultimately selected span the realm of materials, technique, and content in contemporary ceramics. It is an understatement to say that it was a challenge to select the small number of pieces that the gallery space can accommodate.
When choosing work for a National Group Exhibition, there are many things to take into consideration. While reviewing the work, I found myself reflecting on a wide range of issues. I asked myself questions such as “What is the overall concept that this piece is trying to communicate?”, “Are all the parts of the piece equally considered and resolved?”, “What are the visual symbols?”, “Does this piece add to the overall diversity of the body of work to be exhibited?”, “Who is the audience for this work?”, “In what context does this work belong?”, “Is this work derivative of another artist’s work?”, among many others.
Additionally, I considered the following points as I selected the final body of work to be included in the exhibition:
- craftsmanship
- content
- use of color
- formal and conceptual considerations
- historical context
- contemporary and historical references
- source information
Ultimately, the work that was well considered and executed with clarity, originality, and good craftsmanship stood out. I would have enjoyed the opportunity to include twice as much work had the gallery space been able to house it. This was an incredibly strong group of artists, making it difficult to make my final decisions.
It was both a humbling and enjoyable experience to review the multitude of submissions. Many thanks to Red Lodge Clay Center for the opportunity, and every artist for submitting their work. We are all fortunate to be able to participate in an interesting field, full of talented individuals.
Lorna selected 54 pieces from 48 artists.
Participating artists include: Luis Avalos Jr., Jonathan Bashioum, Ben Bates, Casey Beck, Bo Bedilion, Robert Boryk, Michael Bridges, Michaela Bromberek, Heidi McKay Casto, Brian Chen, Connie Christensen, Allison Craver, Louise Deroualle, Ruth Easterbrook, Julia Feld, Gabrielle Gawreluk, Mike Gesiakowski, Reece Henderson, Stephen Heywood, Tom Hubbard, Adam Jennett, Jennifer Kaplan, Ashton Keen, Ashley Kim, Sean Kunz, Quinn Maher, Kate Marotz, Will McComb, Taylor Mezo, Shane Mickey, Dan Molyneux, William Mueller, Carey Nathanson, Eva Nebenzahl, Nikita Nenashev, Shawn O’Connor, Russ Orlando, Joseph Page, Jason Piccoli, Annie Quigley, Lora Rust, Galen Sedberry, Sandra Shaughnessy, Chance Taylor, Tenyoh, James Tingey, Will Van Dyke, and Von Venhuizen.
Merit Awards (to be awarded at the exhibition Closing Reception, September 24, 2021)
- Juror’s Choice Award: $1000: Gabrielle Gawrelek, Blue Coffee Maker Wall Piece with Drip Dish
- Director’s Choice Award: $500, Ashton Keen, Teapot
- Gallery Curator’s Choice Award: $300, Annie Quigley, Rose “Vase”