Summer 2008

Mary-Beth Buesgen joined the ASU Art Museum Ceramics Research Center (CRC) staff as program coordinator. She previously worked at ASU Hayden Library for several years. Given her experience gained while pursuing her Museum Studies certificate at ASU, combined with her passion and creativity in ceramics, she will be a great asset to our team.  Please welcome Mary-Beth on your next visit. She can be reached at 480.965.7092 or at Mary-Beth.Buesgen@asu.edu.  

Susan Beiner, Synthetic Reality.

Susan Beiner: Synthetic Reality
Continuing through Aug. 3, 2008
Taking more than a year to complete, Synthetic Reality is the most ambitious mixed-media installation project created by ASU Herberger College School of Art ceramic faculty member Susan Beiner.

Teri Frame uses clay “prosthetics” during her performance Flux.

Alex Hibbitt references nature and landscape in topographical modes.

Liz Zacher creates environments replacing the factual with altered interactions.

Midstream: New Ceramics from the Heartland
Aug. 23, 2008 – Feb. 28, 2009
Reception: Friday, Sept. 26, 7-9 p.m.
Special performance of Relics, by Teri Frame during reception, 7:30 p.m. Relics explores the boundaries of the body and probes the realm of humanity. Due to content, parental discretion is advised.

The CRC solicited an internet call-to-artists in the Midwestern United States to define the front edge of experimental ceramic work for this exhibition. Forty-eight submissions were received.

Midstream uncovers the work of three artists who define a new generation of clay workers. They reflect diverse backgrounds and work with new issues of identity. Their work is bold in its commentary on global issues and moves to a broader examination of humanity through humor, fantasy or direct honesty.

Participating artists include:
Teri Frame resides in Kansas City and received her MFA from Penn State University. She exhibits photos from past performances, video documentation and presents a performance during the exhibition.

Alex Hibbitt resides in Athens, Ohio and received her MFA from Alfred University. She exhibits mixed-media sculpture bases on the interface of computer technology and the human world.

Liz Zacher resides in Athens, Ohio and received her MFA from Ohio University. She creates a site installation that constructs a visual conduit between human and animal behavior. With sculpture of both man and beast, she symbolizes psychological and physiological modes of protection.

Visiting lecturer Nora Naranjo-Morse chats with ceramic graduate Darien Johnson in his studio, 2007.

Coming this fall…
Jan Fisher Memorial Lecture Series
Now in its second season, the Jan Fisher Memorial Lecture Series highlights both emerging and established woman ceramic artists. The series, named in honor of Jan Fisher, an art history graduate student and member of CLA (Ceramics leaders of ASU), who passed away in 2006. Visiting artists will be announced this fall.

Call for Artists: 2009 CRC Studio Tour
The Artists’ Advisory Committee of the CRC is currently planning the 8th Annual Self-Guided Ceramic Studio Tour to be held Saturday, Feb. 21 & Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Call for artists application deadline is Aug. 8 and has a $25 entry fee. If you are selected, the early participation fee is $150, otherwise it is $175.

The NCECA conference affords a great opportunity to view a wide range of ceramic art being created by both students and professionals.

Save the Date!
43rd Annual NCECA Conference
Ceramic Interface: From Dawn to Digital
April 8–11, 2009
Phoenix Convention Center and other locations throughout the Valley

Last held in Arizona in 1991, the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts returns for their annual ceramics conference bringing 6,000 artists, educators, curators and students together for demonstrations, lectures, panel discussions and more than 75 exhibitions throughout the Valley.  The CRC hosts the NCECA Clay National juried exhibition while the ASU Art Museum presents Eden Revisited: The Ceramic Art of Kurt Weiser and Potters Prints: Selections from the Collection in conjunction with the conference.

For conference registration or program information, go to www.nceca.net or call 303.828.2811.

Best wishes for a great summer from Peter, Mary-Beth and everyone at the ASU Art Museum Ceramics Research Center.

Please send details of any events or announcement you would like included to crc@asu.edu.