The ARTS Center in Clemson Devoting August to Ceramics

The ARTS Center in Clemson is devoting August to ceramic artists. The Clay Different Ways gallery show will open Aug. 8 and run through September 28.  The 20x20 Invitational Clay Exhibit and Sale will be a weekend event, on August 24, 25 and 26.

The Clay Different Ways exhibit will feature the sculptural work of six nationally and regionally-known clay artists from the Carolinas. The opening reception for this show will be on Friday, August 10 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at The ARTS Center. There will be a variety of ceramic sculptural pieces, including wall installations and pedestal pieces, which differ from utilitarian pottery.

"The show will feature an exciting range of how sculptural ceramics can be presented," said Sue Grier, guest curator of the exhibit. "Gallery viewers will enjoy seeing a wide interpretation of concepts and ideas within the medium."

The show will feature the artwork of Alice Ballard, Heather Hietala, Eileen Powell, Brent Roberts, Kathy Triplett, and Megan Wolfe. 

The 20x20 Clay Invitational Sale will be one of the largest ceramics sales in the Southeast, featuring 20 professional clay artists from North Carolina and South Carolina. Each artist will show and have for sale 20 ceramic works, making 400 unique pieces available for the event. These include functional works such as serving pieces, vessels, vases, mugs and other pottery forms. 

The show and sale will take place Friday, August 24 through Sunday, August 26. The event will begin with the Collector's Choice PreView Gala on Friday evening from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. This will be a ticketed event featuring fine food, live music and the first selection of the 20x20 ceramic works. Tickets will be $20 for members of The ARTS Center and $25 for non-members. 

The 20x20 Public Clay Sale will begin Saturday, Aug. 25. The hours for Saturday are 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. There will be a special breakfast and lunch available on Saturday, as well.  It will continue Sunday, Aug. 26 from noon. until 4:30 p.m. 

"It's wonderful that The Arts Center is embracing this medium and showcasing ceramic art with these events," said Grier, who is also a clay artist showing work in the 20x20 Invitational.

Last year began the first 20x20 Invitational event and was a great success. The ARTS Center is aiming to increase attendance and sales in the 2012 event.

"This is our second 20x20 event and we're hoping it will become an annual ceramic event that draws visitors from the tri-state area." said Tommye Hurst, Executive Director of The ARTS Center. "We're excited to bring new artists to the show this year, in addition to returning artists from last year. The combination of Clay Different Ways and 20x20 will make August an exciting month here."

The ARTS Center is a nonprofit community arts center in Clemson, SC working to provide exceptional arts education and make fine arts accessible and exciting to the community.