For Immediate Release
08/23/2016

L.H. Horton Jr. Gallery Presents:
Visions in Clay
August 25 - September 16

(Stockton, CA) San Joaquin Delta College's L.H. Horton Jr. Gallery presents the 7th Annual Visions In Clay Exhibition and Awards Competition, August 25 - September 16, 2016.  The opening reception is planned for Thursday, September 1, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Admission to the Gallery is FREE and open to the public.

Founded by the San Joaquin Potters Guild in 2002 through 2007, Visions In Clay was turned over to
the Horton Gallery in 2010 to continue presenting the ceramics based exhibition. Visions In Clay is the largest exhibition of ceramic works in the San Joaquin Valley, and has been featured several times in the national magazine, Ceramics Monthly. It’s an exceptional show of craftsmanship and diversity of style through individual use of materials.

Liz Quackenbush, ceramic artist and Professor of Art at Penn State University, was this year’s guest juror who selected the works for the exhibition. The selection was based on quality of craftsmanship, unique content and form, as well as technical skill. This year’s exhibit features 60 works by 50 artists from around the country, including Stockton artists Joe Mariscal (recently retired ceramics professor
at Delta College) and Shiloh Gastello, (former student of Joe’s at Delta College, who is now completing his MFA). The award recipients will be announced at the Opening Reception on September 1st.

Liz Quackenbush is a Professor of Art at Penn State University (20 years). Her ceramic work has been included in the Minnesota Pottery Tour for 16 years. Liz has taught at numerous craft schools, lectured at universities and art centers nationally and internationally. She has participated in residencies in the U.S. and abroad. Liz Quakenbush actuates her lively imagination by finding time for conversations with friends and family regarding food, gardening, baking bread, and by spending time in her studio exploring the fertile grounds of functional pottery.

Of the selection process, Liz states: “When the creative mind and skilled hands navigate a complex idea, remarkable objects can result. Handmade objects have the potential to reflect the mind of the maker, while speaking to a larger community in a palpable tongue.  An insatiable interest in exactly this is what has led me to making art, teaching art, and collecting art. This is why I accepted the opportunity to jury the Visions in Clay 2016 Exhibition at San Delta College. I am dedicated to learning from the ceramic objects people make. Reviewing the entries broadened my insight into what is in the minds and hands of makers today.”

“As the juror of this exhibition, a broad series of questions shaped my consideration of the work submitted. Does the work speak to me after I stop looking at it? Do I understand the artist’s intent
from the work? How far-reaching are the ideas defining the work? How well is the piece crafted? How ambitious is the piece? Many pieces engaged well-developed ideas and processes, so the challenge of selection was arduous.” 

“The most formidable part of this process was distributing the awards. Linda Fitz Gibbon’s piece, Tempest in a Teacup: Momzilla, resonated with me as both a potter and a mother! The Japanese-style ceramic cup, metaphorically representing the entire Japanese culture, including the primordial sea from which the Japanese mother (of all mothers) rages, took traditional ceramics, and gave it a contemporary spin! G.V. Kelley’s Eel head, Projection, spoke of the micro-aggressive climate that is now sizzling in our culture today. Matthew Patton’s Wall Plate appears to be exploring materials with liberal, yet sensitive, allowance for both failure and discovery. The Sushi Set by Shana Salaff elevates seductive notions of food and service.”

Exhibition Awards
G.V. Kelley ~ Best of Show
Matthew Patton ~ 2nd Place Award
Linda S. Fitz Gibbon ~ 3rd Place Award
Shana Angela Salaff ~ San Joaquin Potters Guild Founders Award

2016 Visions In Clay Exhibiting Artists

The L.H Horton Gallery is located on the ground floor of Shima Center, and is wheelchair accessible. Admission is free and open to the public. Recommended parking is available in the Shima lot for a fee of $2. Tours are welcome, and Gallery Talks and special needs may be addressed by contacting the Gallery.

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