Resurfaced and Reformed: Evolution in Studio Ceramics On Display at the Tweed Museum of Art

Fossil Fish Vase, Frank Boyden

When we moved to Duluth in 1986 I found it quite striking how many potters and ceramic artists and artisans there were in this region. Over time it became apparent that there were several influential teachers a the universities here who inspired a whole generation of students to take this artform seriously.

Next week the Tweed Museum of Art will have an opening reception for this year's feature exhibit, Resurfaced and Reformed: Evolution in Studio Ceramics. The show is curated by former museum curator Joan Slack, and the range of works is astonishing. Pieces by 77 artists will be displayed, many who have achieved both national and international recognition.

Here's an excerpt from the press announcement:

Due in part to the generous legacy of former UMD ceramics professor Glenn C. Nelson, the Tweed Museum of Art owns a diverse and exciting collection of ceramic art, which forms the foundation of this exhibit. The artworks offer historical context, while visually describing the emergence of an American ceramic revolution that occurred mid-20th century. The Bemidji State University in cooperation with the Tweed Museum of Art is loaning a selection of works from the Harlow Collection to add depth and variety to the exhibition.

A distinctive example of Bob Husby's work.

Visitors will be able to appreciate the many themes of influence upon the studio ceramics movement such as; East Meets West, Tradition & Contemporary Style, Europe & the Bauhaus, the Mark of Fire, the Vessel Restructured and Discovery With Glazes. In addition, there will be a story and descriptive narratives to guide visitors through the show. A number of distinguished faculty and community ceramists helped with exhibition planning, including Dorian Beaulieu, Elizabeth James, Bob Husby, Jim Klueg, and Richard Gruchalla.

If you've ever been involved with the ceramic arts scene here you will recognize plenty of familiar names including Karin Kraemer, John Steffl, Bob & Cheryl Husby, Broc Allen, Dave Lynas, Jim Klueg and more. And yes, there is even a Picasso.

The beauty, quantity and variety will surprise you.

Raku, Vase with Female Figures, Paul Soldner

When I stopped by the museum last night to get a preview of the exhibit (which was installed in August) you could feel a high degree of energy among those involved with this show, stimulated in part by last week's announcement of a generous million dollar donation from the Alice Tweed Tuohy Foundation.

There are actually a pair of Tweed Museum events coming up over the next few weeks and worth noting. The first is the opening reception for Resurfaced and Reformed: Evolution in Studio Ceramics, which will be next Tuesday, September 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. with music courtesy of Deja Vu Drifters Band.

And in two weeks the new Tweevenings season will commence, Tuesday, October 7 at 6:30 p.m. Broc Allen will present about the connection of Asian influence in Eastern ceramics. Both of these events are free and open to the public.

Meantime, art goes on all around you. Hope to see you there.