Seize the Clay, a survey of ceramic educator work, will open on Nov. 2 in Sellars Gallery at Brenau University, showcasing the creations of 22 art educators from the Southeast.
These works cover a wide range of subjects and clay-building techniques and will be on view until Dec. 8.
Seize the Clay is a juried exhibition. It is spearheaded by Huy Chu, assistant professor of art and design, with assistance from Gena Brodie-Robbins, director of galleries, and Claudia Wilburn, chair of the Department of Art and Design.
“Art educators play a pivotal role in nurturing and developing artistic talents in students of all ages,” Chu said. “They often work behind the scenes, and their efforts can go unnoticed. An art show dedicated to them provides an opportunity to recognize and appreciate their contributions to the art community.”
Featured artists include Patricia Burd, a longtime supporter of the university’s arts programs and wife of Past President John S. Burd, as well as Mary Jane Taylor, Lesther Martin, Leslie Hinton, Renee Rouillier, Josh Vincent and others.
“This exhibition will showcase ceramic works of art educators who seek to unlock the full potential of the clay medium to inspire, progress and educate,” Brodie-Robbins said. “Art educators are artists first and foremost, and Seize the Clay is an opportunity to remind Brenau students and the public.”
Students will not only get to see educators in action, but also gain some inspiration for their own work.
“Students can explore the intricate designs, techniques and artistic expressions that ceramics artists employ, helping them develop a deeper appreciation for the world of art,” Chu said. “They can gain new ideas and insights from the works of accomplished ceramic artists, which can inform their own creative endeavors.”
An artists’ reception is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 2, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
On Friday, Nov. 3, a Seize the Clay ceramics workshop will be open to the public. Participants can learn hands-on wheel-throwing techniques and other fundamental processes in the Patricia Burd Ceramic Studio at Brenau with ceramic artist Mike Bowen from 10 a.m. to noon.
Featured artists:
- Patricia Burd – Gainesville, Georgia
- Mary Jane Taylor – Gainesville, Georgia
- Jessica Bowden – Athens, Georgia
- Mike Bowen – Huntington, West Virginia
- Allison Broome – Huntington, West Virginia
- Allen Chen – Hattiesburg, Mississippi
- Huy Chu – Gillsville, Georgia
- Angel Estrella – Buford, Georgia
- Diana Farfan – Greenville, South Carolina
- Jennifer Graff – Gainesville, Georgia
- Amy Henke – Cumming, Georgia
- Leslie Hinton – Knoxville, Tennessee
- Alex Kraft – Dahlonega, Georgia
- Lesther Martin – Cumming, Georgia
- Veronica Martin – Gainesville, Georgia
- Lyndrid Patterson – Gainesville, Georgia
- Renee Rouillier – Columbia, South Carolina
- Ben Trusdale – Jefferson, Georgia
- Josh Vincent – Columbia, South Carolina
- Miki Waldrop – Gainesville, Georgia
- Erica Watson – Gainesville, Georgia
- Micheal Valley – Gainesville, Georgia
