Keystone Clay: East

Baltimore Clayworks is excited to host Keystone Clay: East from January 12^thto March 2^nd, 2019. There will be a closing reception on Saturday, March 2nd from 4-6pm.

This is the first of two exhibitions showcasing the ceramic programs at Pennsylvania colleges and universities. Our three Galleries will be displaying work from the professors and their students side by side, highlighting the ceramic education and inspiration. East will feature work by artists from Millersville University, Moore College of Art and Design, Philadelphia University of the Arts, Tyler School of Art and Westchester University. West will be from March 16^th– May 11th, 2019 with Arcadia University, Edinboro University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Juniata College, Penn State, Slippery Rock University and Shippensburg University.

There are many reasons for this theme. Oftentimes, teachers are so focused on their students, fostering skills, maintaining the classroom that one’s own studio practice is neglected or Call for Entries slip by. Or the cost of applying and shipping to a show is too much for a student, so perhaps this will be their first exhibition…of many. New educational models are in place with post-baccalaureate students and adjuncts sharing the classroom responsibilities with tenured professors and Clayworks would like to celebrate those contributions.

Clayworks really wants to support those emerging artists. Our mission is to “develop, promote and sustain” artistic talent, whether that is in our own classrooms and community or with our neighbors to the North. In addition, we hope our proximity will encourage those students to visit us, to be introduced to our organization and facilities (Wood kiln!) and perhaps encourage them to apply for a residency or internship, so in turn we can bolster that facet of our programing.

We are envisioning and exhibition that will showcase a student’s success that a teacher helped bring into fruition. Celebrate the artistic growth they have nurtured, whether being expressed in functional wares, large scale sculpture, intriguing installations and any ideas in between.

Also on display is Baltimore Clayworksforce Development Program Inaugural Show from January 11^thto March 2^nd, 2019. There will be a soft opening reception Friday, January 11^thfrom 1-2:30.

Baltimore Clayworks Community Arts program has partnered with Baltimore City Public Schools Transition Services of the Office of Special Education to create a new, innovative classroom where students explore creative ceramic practices along with developing skills they can apply to future work environments. The youth in this program are between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one and are new to ceramics. Over the past few months they have developed fundamental ceramic skills along with a knowledge of studio maintenance, firing practices and glazing. The students have had a chance to develop their fine motor skills and practice articulating and discussing their creative process in addition to developing a basic understanding of ceramic techniques. Along with the art work, students’ artist statements are on display throughout the space.

Both exhibitions are free and open to the public.