Currents: Introducing The Clay Studio of Missoula’s 2020/21 Long Term Resident Artists
October 2-31, 2020
opening reception: Friday, October 2, 5-8pm
Gallery hours during exhibition: 12-5pm M-F, Saturdays 12-3pm

Our October group exhibit features the work of The Clay Studio of Missoula’s current 2020/21 Long Term resident artists. Established in 2003, the residency program at the Clay Studio of Missoula is designed to encourage the creative, intellectual and personal growth of emerging and established visual artists.

Three of our resident artists make functional work, but each employs an entirely different approach in form, surface, and concept. Chris Alveshere creates pots that have a sense of whimsy, humor, and color. They are “audacious, lively, and cheeky, pieces with attitude and intention,” while Ben Blackwood’s wood fired vessels are a balance between the rugged nature of raw clay, the physicality of process, and the subtle elegance of human touch. Lane Chapman creates utilitarian vessels not only to comment on humans’ relationships with objects, but also the relationships between humans and the natural world. Her illustrations “direct viewers to see the disgust amongst the beautiful, to see the disgusting as beautiful.”

Sara Catapano’s compelling biomorphic sculptures are abstracted references to plants, bacteria, and geological systems with patterns of growth, decay, degradation, erosion, and gestation. Stephanie Dishno’s large figurative work draws in the viewer while exploring a personal narrative that portrays a journey through life and constructs a sense of identity.

We will be hosting a socially distanced outdoor reception on Friday, October 2 in our parking lot and garden. Please bring your own refreshments, we request that masks be worn inside our facility and in instances where it is not possible to socially distance. Attendees will be able to view the exhibit and make purchases.