COLUMBIA, S.C. – From the hands and clay of South Carolina artists, "Points of Departure: Vessel Forms from the State Art Collection" takes a visual journey with ceramic vessels and their evolution in the contemporary ceramic world Sept. 2 – Oct. 26 at the ARTS Center in Clemson. The public is invited to a reception from 7-9 p.m. Sept. 19.
Curated by Sue Grier, a ceramic artist and adjunct lecturer in visual arts at Clemson University, the exhibition includes 16 pieces of ceramic artwork selected from the S.C. Arts Commission State Art Collection. The artwork is by 16 professional or teaching ceramic artists, including four artists from the upstate and three from the midlands. Select artists will also have their current work included in the show to bring a visual representation that rounds out the evolution of the vessel form in contemporary ceramic art.
Additional events hosted by the ARTS Center include a curator’s talk the evening of Sept. 19, a guest gallery talk by Clemson Art Department Chair Mike Vatalaro at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15, and a pottery and ceramic art sale that runs throughout the exhibition.
About the State Art Collection
The State Art Collection is considered the most comprehensive public collection of works by contemporary South Carolina artists. Established in 1967 as one of the first programs of the South Carolina Arts Commission, the State Art Collection has grown to include 441 works in a variety of media and styles by 272 South Carolina contemporary artists. Small exhibitions featuring work from the collection are organized on a regular basis for rural and isolated areas inside and outside of the state. Works from the State Art Collection are available for loan to art museums, state agencies, and public and private organizations for the purpose of public exhibition or public display. The collection is supported in part by the South Carolina Arts Foundation and Kahn Development Company.
About S.C. Arts Commission
The South Carolina Arts Commission is the state agency charged with creating a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their location or circumstances. Created by the S.C. General Assembly in 1967, the Arts Commission works to increase public participation in the arts by providing services, grants and leadership initiatives in three areas: arts education, community arts development and artist development. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the Arts Commission is funded by the state of S.C. and by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or call (803) 734-8696.
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