Montevallo, Ala.—The University of Montevallo is hosting a wood-fired ceramics exhibition opening reception Thurs., Feb. 18, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Bloch Hall on the University campus. A gallery talk will be held at 5 p.m. on the opening day of the exhibition, which will run through March 10.
This exhibition explores nontraditional approaches to the ancient process of wood-firing. The exhibit will feature two or three pieces from different artists, some with collaborative origins and some showing new techniques generated by dialogue among the artists.
Dr. Scott Meyer, Professor of Art, described the dialogue of the artists saying that some of the best ideas arise during the early hours of the morning when everyone is sitting around talking. “Unconventional wisdom takes place when one artist sits down with another and they begin exploring new ideas and possibilities,” Meyer stated.
The exhibition will feature pieces from Kenneth Baskin, Keith Ekstam, Richard Hirsch, Jeff Johnston, Scott Meyer and Scott Ross. Each artist has his or her own style and technique that they have discovered, making each piece special. This type of gallery show is rare to the area, making the exhibition as unique as each individual work of art showcased.
Meyer is extremely excited about the event and the enthusiasm that the University has shown toward encouraging the growth of the art. “The University of Montevallo is a very unique University. There are not a lot of schools that would see this as an opportunity and celebrate it,” Meyer said.
When Meyer built the Anagama wood-fire kiln at the University, he hoped that it would become a meeting place for artists one day, a sort of invitation to artists across the region. He believes that this is uniquely Montevallo.
To learn more about the exhibit and the College of Fine Arts, please visit The College of Fine Arts Webpage.