Nature: Surface, Form, Content, at the Clay Studio of Missoula, is an exhibition showcasing ceramic work that explores the connections to nature in either formal or conceptual approaches. Juried by Adrian Arleo - an internationally recognized ceramic sculptor livingin Lolo, Montana - 25 works were selected from 115 entries submitted by nearly 60 artists from North America.

Three general (though sometimes overlapping) genres emerged from the works submitted for consideration; sculpture inspired by organic or landscape forms, narrative/figurative sculpture, and vessels that incorporate imagery and/or materials/processes from nature. A number of featured works touch on environmental degradation and loss, but just as many seem to take refuge in the value of beauty in nature, and whimsy in human nature.

This exhibit features works by Lauryn Axelrod, Annie Campbell, Susan Carlson, Kyla Culbertson, Shelsea Dodd, Whitney Forsyth, Jennifer Hill, Betsey Hurd, Aleksandra Krasutskaya, Marina Kuchinski, Stephanie Lanter, Kim Lingo, Carolyn Mimbs, KyoungHwa Oh, Douglas Peck, Pedro Ramirez, Lauren Sandler, Steven Schaeffer, Elizabeth Shriver,
Katie Stone, Suzanne Graham Storer, Charles Timm-Ballard, Katie VerKuilen, Denise Woodward-Detrich, and Shiyuan Xu.

Nature: Surface, Form, Content will be on display at the Clay Studio of Missoula from February 3-24, 2017, with an opening on Friday, February 3, from 5:30-9pm. Gallery events are free and open to the public.