2202 alter street (215) 893-8812
Considered a "living legend of clay," Val Murat Cushing is one of the preeminent ceramic artists working today. This exhibition will feature a large selection of Val's ceramic works, both sculptural and functional. Born in Rochester, NY, Val Cushing received his BFA and MFA from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. He taught pottery at Alfred for 40 years and was designated Professor Emeritus in 1997. Commonly regarded at as the "wizard of glazes," he has authored several books on the subject. He is a founding member and past president of NCECA (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts) as well as a Fellow of the American Craft Council. His pottery has been featured in over 200 exhibitions worldwide, and is represented in the collections of numerous museums in the US including the Smithsonian, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the Cooper-Hewitt and the Everson.
"I aspire to make beautiful pottery- some to be used and some to function visually, as sculpture. The "art" in a pot, besides meeting the usual formal considerations found in most art, has great potential for satisfying the sensual part of our lives. The rim of a cup brushes the lips, the touch of a bowl warms the hands - we can relat to this in a special way. Some of the pottery we make can also stand by itself, to be looked at and admired the way we enjoy painting and sculpture. But, by using pottery for storing, serving and dining, it enters our lives in personal and intimate ways."
Val Cushing is one of 95 exhibitions that are part of Independence: The 44th Annual National Council on Education for the Ceramics Arts (NCECA) conference taking place in Philadelphia from March 31-April 3, 2010. Selected works will be available for purchase.
Exhibition Dates: March 30 - April 25, 2010
Gallery Hours: 12-6 pm
(extended hours during NCECA conference: 10 am-9 pm)
Opening Reception: April 1, 5-9 pm
Artist Talk: April 24, 4 pm in the gallery (RSVP requested)