Black History Month Programming Celebrating Black Ceramic Artists
Clay Art Center is celebrating Black History Month with programming
highlighting Black ceramic artists.
This February marks the 45th annual Black History Month, a celebration of the achievements and advancements Black Americans have added to the history of America. We are excited to take part in Black History Month by providing programming celebrating Black ceramic artists throughout February. This programming includes our online virtual exhibit Concepts in Clay: Artists of Color featuring the work of 10 Black ceramic artists from across the US, along with Virtual Artist Talks with Black ceramic artists Vinnie Bagwell, Rich Brown and Syd Carpenter. Hear from Black ceramic artists who have presented recent artist talks for Clay Art Center in our online Virtual Library which is free to access anytime on our website.
Paul Andrew Wandless, The Birth of Jemmah
Concepts in Clay: Artists of Color
Online Virtual Exhibit thru March 31, 2021
Co-Curated with Paul Briggs
View the exhibit online
Concepts in Clay features works of celebrated Black ceramic artists from across the US, and brings together a collective voice that speaks about a variety of themes and processes as part of the continuum of artists of color working in clay in the US today. Clay is the vehicle that amplifies these voices, and within this collection, these artists not only share their work with us, but their thoughts on what present-day America means to each of them. As we move forward in turbulent and uncertain times in our society at large, this exhibition marks a place in time in the contemporary clay artist field.
The artists selected here make clay works that are wide ranging in the treatments of surfaces, processes, forms, materials and subject matter. This collection also investigates a variety of themes unique to the Black experience in America, from human relationships and interactions, identity and image of self, social justice and activism, to the outward expression of inner experiences.
Featured artists include: Adero Willard, Kyle and Kelly Phelps, Morel Doucet, Paul Andrew Wandless, Syd Carpenter, Donte Hayes, Lydia C. Thompson, Nathan Murray, Paul Briggs, and Rich Brown
Support these wonderful artists by purchasing a work from the exhibit.
Virtual Artist Talks
Our popular virtual artist talks feature some of the top ceramic artists practicing today. We are honored to host three black ceramic artists over the next 5 weeks. We will continue to support Black ceramic artists throughout the year and look forward to future talks including one with Paul Andrew Wandless on April 22 among others. Learn More and Register for Virtual Artist Talks.
Vinnie Bagwell: Black History in Public Life, February 3, 7 – 8pm
Vinnie Bagwell is a New York native and renowned artist who led the conception and development of the Enslaved Africans' Rain Garden in Yonkers, NY and whose achievements include being awarded with public work commissions in New York and across the US. Join Vinnie as she discusses her career as a sculptor whose work starts in clay.
Rich Brown: From Here to There, February 23, 7- 8pm
Originally from New York, Rich Brown is based in Georgia, and is a full time studio potter with his own brand “Pottery32”. Join Rich as he discusses his journey into discovering ceramics and how working with clay has shaped the direction of his life. Rich Brown is featured in Clay Art Center’s online exhibition Concepts In Clay: Artists of Color.
Syd Carpenter: Places of Our Own, March 8, 7 – 8pm
Syd Carpenter will present her ceramic sculptural works, and discuss the influences of African American farming and gardening on her pieces. Syd is also a participant of Clay Art Center’s online exhibition Concepts In Clay: Artists of Color.
Black Ceramic Artists Talks in our Online Virtual Library
Browse our online catalogue of past Virtual Artist Talks and Demos by some of the top Black ceramic artists in the US such as Sana Musasama, Wesley Brown, Kyle and Kelly Phelps, Donte Hayes and Paul Briggs. Our virtual library is free to access anytime to learn from these ceramic artists in their insightful videos. Watch Now.
Black Ceramic Artist Stories on our Instagram page @clayartcenter throughout February
Visit our Instagram page @clayartcenter for a series of Black Ceramic Artist stories and posts to learn about the works and the artists who created them throughout the month of February.
Clay Art Center Anti-Racist Agenda Commitment Statement
Clay Art Center believes that the arts can touch and enrich lives and play a significant role in social change. We believe that Black Lives Matter, and we will work towards ensuring that diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion are a part of our core values. We will offer stimulating and culturally diverse programs in our studio practice, exhibitions and education to better serve diverse communities. We will engage with these communities and institutions to understand, evaluate and ensure how we can best succeed at achieving diversity, accessibility and inclusion. We will actively work to ensure that we have the resources to accomplish these objectives. Learn More.