Continuing through May 6, 2012
Of the 130 plus ceramic-based events in Seattle during the 46th annual NCECA conference (National Counsel on Education for the Ceramic Arts), this show should be the first stop for those seeking an historical grounding in Northwest ceramics. The Henry Art Gallery draws from its various collections for “Around the Bend and over the Edge: Seattle Ceramics 1964-1977.” Guest Curator Martha Kingsbury has arranged the show thematically, drawing a parallel between the political and social turbulence of the 1960’s and 1970’s and reactions against the dominance of Japanese-style stoneware that characterized post WWII ceramics in the region. The result is careening and humorous, socially charged and provocative. Kingsbury’s enlightening wall text endows even the obligatory “Cups” section with conceptual interest. Prominent Seattle ceramists Robert Sperry, Patti Warashina, Fred Bauer, and Howard Kottler are especially well represented among the more than 100 pieces on display.
