Virtual Artist Talk
In Conversation: The Sustaining Presence
Wednesday, February 8th from 7 - 8pm
Free Zoom Webinar

Clay Art Center presents a Virtual Artist Talk “In Conversation: The Sustaining Presence”, moderated by Syd Carpenter, with participating artists from the Online Invitational Exhibition “The Sustaining Presence: Stalwarts of African American Contemporary Clay.”

Register Here

Clay Art Center Celebrates Black History Month

With an Online Invitational Exhibition

The Sustaining Presence: Stalwarts of African American Contemporary Clay

Guest Curated by Syd Carpenter

Online: February 1 – March 1, 2023

This February marks the 47th annual Black History Month, a celebration of the achievements and advancements of Black Americans who have contributed to the history of the United States. We are excited to honor Black History Month by providing an online invitational exhibition “The Sustaining Presence: Stalwarts of African American Contemporary Clay” guest curated by Syd Carpenter, that celebrates Black ceramic artists from across the US, throughout February.

Guest Curator Syd Carpenter States: "The African diaspora has influenced globally diverse expressions in music, dance, theatre, literature and the visual arts for more than a century. From the majestic and poetic works of Dave Drake in the 19th century to celebrated works of Simone Leigh in the 21st, Black clay artists have been a consistent community of innovative clay productivity. From pure abstraction to explicit representations of the experience of being Black in America, the presence of Black artists is here represented by notable stalwarts who have continued to creatively enhance the field. Many beginning their careers in the late 60’s and early 70’s, their work reflects the ongoing vibrancy, technical brilliance and creative insight of this group of artists."

Participating Artists include: Earline Green, Winnie Owens Hart, Malcolm Mobutu Smith, Sana Musasama, Bobby Scroggins, Kevin Snipes and Lydia Thompson

Guest Curator Syd Carpenter lives In Philadelphia. Pennsylvania. Her work is included in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institute, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, James A Michener Museum, Tang Museum of Skidmore College, and Fuller Craft Museum. She is a Professor of Studio Art, at Swarthmore College, PA.