This national juried exhibition will showcase ceramic artists that use the human form as a vehicle to communicate and bring awareness to the often-difficult topics and issues of our time. The ideologies of “isms” are vast and can include, but not limited to socio-political, environmental and cultural issues, racism, religious freedom, war, sexism, gender identity, classism, poverty, substance abuse, gun violence, etc.
Jurors Statement
We feel privileged to be asked to serve as the jurors of the national juried exhibition entitled ISMS: Narratives, Issues, and Difficult Topics of Our Time. We want to exclusively thank the Baltimore Clayworks for supporting our personal journey of social political expressions in clay throughout the years.
For our jurying process, which will involve evaluating digital images from an online platform, we draw upon our professional as visual artist as well as our experiences working in the academic sector (universities). One of the things, we enjoy the most about our careers as Professors in the ceramic medium is having the opportunity to analyze art created by student artists, as well as professional artists working in the contemporary art scene today.
When selecting art for this exciting exhibition, we will consider the formal, conceptual, and aesthetic qualities of the work presented. We will also focus on the connections and importance of craftmanship, the ability to transform space/volume, and the understanding of culture, and life experiences. The understanding of culture, and life experiences is a vita/key element that will be central to “Isms” that will be explored in this exhibition. We will be looking at the many ideologies of “isms” that may include, but not limited to the current socio- political climate, environmental and cultural issues, racism, religious freedom, war, sexism, gender identity, classism, poverty, substance abuse, gun violence, etc. that impact our modern society today.
The physical work will be a variety of ideological expressions demonstrated in a variety of ways. Ceramic works of art will be a selected range from hand built abstract forms and figurative sculptures, to wheel thrown works (both functional and non-functional). Once again, “Isms” in clay will be the central theme to each composition.
Professors Kelly & Kyle Phelps
Jurors: Kelly and Kyle Phelps
Identical twin brothers Kelly and Kyle Phelps are Professors at private Catholic universities in Ohio. Kelly Phelps is a Professor at Xavier University (Cincinnati), and Kyle is a Professor at the University of Dayton (Dayton) where they head the sculpture and ceramic departments.
@kyle_and_kelly_phelps
Participating Artists
Tony Baker, Jim Bowling, Kate Childs Graham a.k.a. KCG, Sean Clute, Connor Czora, Ava Drury, Casey Durocher, Diana Farfan, Fred Freeman, Mia Halton, Bailey Holley, Christina Graland Joseph, Alison Kysia, Brandon Lowery, John Matuszak, Constance McBride, Mac McCusker, Amy Marie McHugh, Rebecca Morton, Nathan Murray, Kyle and Kelly Phelps, Kristine Poole, Aaron Rosa, Wayman Scott, Silvija Singh, Michelle Smith, Michelle Spiziri, Rebecca Stansbury, Courtney Wilson, Erik Zohn
New Kids On The Block 2024
New Artwork by Incoming and Current Resident Artists
September 7 – September 28, 2024
Oktoberfest 2024
Beer Steins and Wine Goblets Invitational
October 5 – October 26, 2024
Community Arts Summer Showcase
Clayworks is excited to present an exhibition of works by youth who participated in our summer programing. The showcase will display selected works from the Community Partners listed below:
