Making News… Ridley, Junya Shao and Teresa Sinatra. Continuing members include Joan Baron, Julius Forzano, Seth Rainville and Betsy Rosenmiller.
Stéphane Janssen in his Carefree, Arizona, home. Photo: Tim Trumble
Sara and David Lieberman. Photo: Craig Smith.
Congratulations to Sara & David Lieberman and Stéphane Janssen for making the top 100 Collectors list in Art & Antiques Magazine! These supporters have been instrumental in bringing the CRC to the forefront of the contemporary ceramics field. Congratulations are also in order to Sara Lieberman, who will be joining the Board of Trustees of the American Craft Council this fall.
Artists’ Advisory Committee (AAC) Updates A special “thank you” goes to the members of the CRC’s Artists’ Advisory Committee for their tireless efforts this past year. They organized the annual Open Studio Tour, participated in community outreach programs to schools and raised funds to benefit the center’s programs. This past year, they made a $3,000 contribution toward the Akio Takamori exhibition and publication. A special note of thanks to Patricia Sannit, retiring president, for her leadership role this past year.
During the spring 2005 convocation of the Herberger College of Fine Arts, Dean Robert Wills presented Joan Lincoln with the Distinguished Alumni Award for her many contributions to the College. Joan has been an influential supporter of ASU Art Museum’s Ceramics Research Center.
At the annual May meeting, the following new members joined the committee: Sandy Blain, Joseph Gower, Jon Higuchi, Diana Kilber, Gil Quintanilla, Don
A special “thank you” to the following members, whose terms have expired: Sharon Armann, Luis Baiz, Bridget Chérie Harper and Sandy Luehrsen. Esmeralda DeLaney and Nina Solomon will continue as honorary members. New officers were also elected: Jane Kelsey-Mapel, President; Jeremy Briddell, Vice President/President Elect, and Billie Jo Harned, Secretary/Treasurer.
Jane Kelsey-Mapel, AAC President hosting students from North High School at her studio for the AAC’s new educational outreach program, Leaning Involve Ceramists’ Service (L.I.N.C.S.).
And the Ceramics Collection Grows… Santa Fe collector Sandy Besser donated more than 30 pieces from his and his wife Diane’s private collection, including works by Steve Allen, Christa Assad, Susan Beiner, Ginger Beyer, Russel Biles, Jason Briggs, Dennis Clive, Roseline Delisle, Rick Dillingham, Edward Eberle, Marko Fields, Tim Foss, Darrin Hallowell, Feteke Laszlo, Max Lehman, Michael Lucero, Rudolfo Morales, Mike Moran, Richard Notkin, Gustavo Perez, Louise Radoshonski, Kathleen Royster, Gregory Roberts, Alvaro Santiago, Keith Simpson, Beth Cavener Stichter, Akio Takamori, Tip Toland, Gabriella Trembacka, George Walker, Jason Walker, Mikey Walsh, Stan Welsh, Beatrice Wood and Janis Mars Wunderlich. This grouping exemplifies Besser’s unique collecting vision, not only with well-known artists, but with emerging artists as well. Devra Breslow gave two bottles by Laura Andreson and Otto Heino. Wann Caron, a ceramics collector based in Denver, Colorado, added the following functional ceramics inspired by Asian traditions to museum’s collection: Rob Barnard, Bottle Rob Barnard, Teapot David Beumee, Vase, 1992 Jutta Golas, Bowl Jim Lorio, Lidded Jar Michael Marcus, Sake Vessel Kimi Masui, Bowl Todd Piker, Vase John Reeve, Lidded Jar John Reeve, Pickle Jar Malcolm Wright, Bowl Malcolm Wright, Pillow (headrest) Malcolm Wright, Vase Makoto Yabe, Water Container for the Tea Ceremony Mark Zamantakis, Jar
Garth Clark and Mark Del Vecchio, owner and directors of Garth Clark Gallery, generously gave the following works in 2004: Paul Astbury, Single Translation Divided, No. 4, 1977 Paul Astbury, 3rd Tanslation from Outer Rim, No. 3, 1977 Michael Cleff, Vessel, 1998 Laszlo Fekete, Time Machine, 1996 Nicholas Rena, Ritual Vessel, 2000 Alexander Lichtveld, Grey Form and Grey Form with Hole, 1985 Henry Pim, Pair of Stemmed Bowls (2pcs), 1985 Henry Pim, Pitcher, 1985
Henry Pim, Tall Teapot, 1985 Henry Pim, White Vessel, 1985 Martin Smith, Cup, 1999 Martin Smith, Untitled, 1999 Luis Suro, Assassination-Suicide Bullets, 1997 Four of Luis Suro’s Assassination-Suicide Pistols, all dated 1997 Jan van der Vaart, Untitled Vase, 1993
Paul Donnelly presented the museum with one of Rain Harris’ fanciful creations entitled Lola, 2002. Howard and Judie Ganek donated the playful Lift and Divide Cups and Saucers, 1989 by Kim Dickey. Gifted last year, the following works represent only the beginning of Stéphane Janssen’s impressive $4 million ceramic gift that was promised to the museum in 2004: Robert Arneson, Rat Plate No. 1, 1981 Robert Arneson, Rat Plate No. 3, 1981 Robert Arneson, Rooted, 1983 Robert Arneson, The Abstract Expressionist (Jackson Pollack Relief), 1985 Robert Arneson, Up for Air, 1973 Viola Frey, Gloved Hand and Vessel, 1976 Viola Frey, Shelf of Junk (plate), 1984 Viola Frey, Plate (reclining green figure), 1988 Viola Frey, Untitled plate (face, arm and hand), 1989 Viola Frey, Untitled plate, 1991 Viola Frey, Artist Mind and Hands, 1977 Asger Jorn, Vessel, 1953 Asger Jorn, Untitled Wall Piece, 1953 Asger Jorn, Portrait of Borge Birch, 1953 Asger Jorn, Face, 1953 Adrian Saxe, God/Dog, 1989 Adrian Saxe, Bowl on Base, 1987 Adrian Saxe, Untitled Gold Wand on Stand, 1985 Adrian Saxe, Untitled Oil Lamp, 1988 Adrian Saxe, Oil Lamp/Seaform, 1986
Dennis Stevens donated a 1999 Paulus Bersensohn bowl. Richard Garriott-Stejskal’s figurative sculpture Peninent, 2003, was given by Tonya Turner Carroll and Michael Carroll, owners of Turner Carroll Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Jamie and Nick Thomas donated Kathleen Royster’s Peaches, 2002, which was on display in the 2003 exhibition Beyond Boundaries: The Yixing Influence on Contemporary American Ceramics.
With funds provided by Barbara Dow, Doris Ong, Roger and Janet Robinson, Artists Advisory Committee, the ASU Art Museum was able to purchase Luo Xiaoping’s Friendship Teapot I, 2002, which was featured in the 2003 exhibition Luo Xiaoping: Time Square Series. Paradise Valley collectors and long-time museum supporters, Sara and David Lieberman, enhanced the museum’s ceramic collection with the following gifts: Two African pots from the 20th century Nora Naranjo-Morse, Three Spirit Figures Bobby Silverman, Stacked Bowls and Vase, 1997
Sara and David also provided funds that enabled the museum to purchase Sam Chung’s Ewer (Red with dots), 2003, a figurative sculpture by Phillip Eglin and Andrew Lord’s Cubist Still Life, 1983. Scott Walker donated two brightly colored Philip Maberry pieces from 1983. Dr. R.K. Winklemann gifted the abstract wall hanging Presence, 1983, by James Tanner.
These generous gifts add to the museum’s ability to represent contemporary ceramics, mount exhibitions for students and the public, and educate about the major artists and accomplishments in the field. If you are interested in donating work to the collection, please contact Peter Held at 480-727-8173.
C E N T E R R E S E A R C H C E R A M I C S
ISSUE NO. 2 SUMMER 2004
CRC Newsletter
– Active CLA members as of May 2005
Join these active supporters of the ASU Art Museum’s Ceramics Research – Center, become a member of a growing support group, CLA (Ceramic Leaders of ASU). Get involved with special events, educational programming – and research activities. Membership in CLA entitles you to receive special members-only invitations to events, lectures and travel tours.
Patron Members: Judy Ackerman and Richard Epstein, Mark Anderson, Jane and Larry Ash, Becki and Scott Currey. Jean Grossman, Edward and Carol Hall, Billie Jo Harned and Jack Rudel, Leah Kaplan and The Kaplan Family Foundation, Sara and David Lieberman, Joan and David Lincoln, Doris Ong, David and Josefine Perry, James and Joanne Rapp, Janet and Roger Robinson, Merle and Steve Rosskam, Edith Rosskam, Judith and Robert Rothschild, Arlene and Mort Scult, Paula and Jack Strickstein, Barbara and Donald Tober, Mikki and Stanley Weithorn, Migs Woodside. Regular Members: Ted Adler, Jennifer Allen, Wesley Anderegg, Dan Anderson, Sharon and Neil Armann, Gilbert and Alma Augenblick, Darcy Badiali, Clayton Bailey, Luis Baiz, Joan Baron, Sue Bass and Erica Kern, Martha Benson, Luis Biaz, Sandra Blain, Linda Blumel and Ron Finkel, David Bradley, Lucy Breslin, Jeremy Briddell, Gail Busch, Rose Cabat and June Cabat, Jane and William Canby, Annetta and Robert Chester, Garth Clark and Mark Del Vecchio, Larry Clark, Tom Coleman, Jeanne Collins and Paul Brooker, Catherine Conover Covert and Chris Covert, Joyce Cooper, Val Cushing, Ted Decker, Esmeralda DeLaney, Stephen DeStaebler, Josh DeWeese, Barbara Dow, Leatrice and Mel Eagle, Lyndall Eddy and Phillip Wagoner, Sanam Emami, Helen Drutt English, Janet and Jerry Etshokin, LeRoy and LaReal Eyring, Betsy Fahlman-Ball and Dan Ball, Ken Ferguson, Anita Fields, Robert “Irish” Flynn, Jules Forzano, David Furman, Julia Galloway, Joe Gans, Beverly Goldfine, Midge and Jerry Golner, Marc and Diane Grainer, Harold and Jean Grossman, Maurice Grossman, Fred and Emily Gurtman, Wendy Haas, Roberta and Bruce Hammer, Bridget Harper, Peter and Terri Held, Jason Hess, John Hill and Linda Sheppard, Halldor Hjalmarson, Sam Hodges, Mary Ann Holzer, Richard and Judith Jacobs, Sarah Jaeger, Amanda Jaffe, Stéphane Janssen, Mark Johnson, Jun Kaneko and Ree Schonlau, Karen Karnes, Ann and Keith Kelly, Jane Kelsey-Mapel, Tom Kerrigan, Meagan Kieffer, Michelle Korf, John Kotelly, Les Lawrence, Rene and Norman Levy, Judy and Samuel Linhart, Frank Lloyd, Sandra Luehrsen, Marilyn Lysohir, Alvin and Nancy Malmon, Mary Ann Marcus, Maxine Marshall, Brad Miller, Clara Moore, Ric Moriarity, Nora Naranjo Morse, Farraday Ayne Newsome, Nobuhito Nishigawara, Jeff Oestreich, Karla Oglesby, Georgette Ore, Jeanne Otis, Jess Parker, Jan Peterson, Susan Peterson, Michael Prepsky, Ken and Happy Price, Helme Prinzen, Seth Rainville, Jon Read, Jeff Reich, Alison Reintjes, Don Reitz, Mary Roehm, Louise Roman, Jim Romberg and Lynette Jennings, Betsy Rosenmiller, Kathy Royster, Star and Seymour Sacks, Patricia Sannit, Linda and Sherman Saperstein, Darlene Schaumburg, Randall and Katie Schmidt, Joseph and Rana Schwartz, Nancy Selvin, Junya Shao, Sherri Sheldon, Charles Sherman, Lorraine and Mark Shwer, Linda Sikora, Diane and Igal Silber, Nina Solomon, Margaret Spence, Linda Speranza, Chris Staley, Phyllis and Stuart Steckler, Deanna Stulgaitis, Faith Sussman and Richard Corton, Richard Swanson, Akio Takamori, Nancy Tieken, Jack Troy, Sandra Trujillo, Rudy and Wanda Turk, Agnese Udinotti, Eric Van Eimeren, Patti Warashina, Kurt Weiser and Christy Lasaler Weiser, Neil Williams, Tara Wilson, Rosalie Wynkoop, Evans and John Wyro, Luo Xiaoping, Sherrie Zeitlin.
© 2005 ASU Herberger College of Fine Arts 0605
C E R A M I C S
R E S E A R C H
C E N T E R
CRC Newsletter
ISSUE NO. 3 SUMMER 2005
Akio Takamori. 2003 exhibition installation, Garth Clark Gallery, New York City.
Akio Takamori:
Between Clouds of Memory, A Mid-Career Survey September 9, 2005 – January 16, 2006
Save the Date: February 23 –26, 2006 Ceram-a-rama: California Dreamin’ The grand opening of the Ceramics Research Center made 2001 a momentous year. Many of you will remember the charged excitement of the evening: when participants feverously bid on the 93 pieces donated to the silent auction, and when it was announced that Sara and David Lieberman had promised their extensive and impressive collection to the center. Our 2004 Gala event was equally exciting, with the announcement of Stéphane Janssen’s gift of 686 ceramic objects to the permanent collection. More than 300 clay enthusiasts came from all over the country to enjoy sunny Arizona weather and partake in the wonderful events that were offered. In February 2006, we will do it again! The 2006 Gala will coincide with the exhibition opening of A Ceramic Legacy: Selections from the Stéphane Janssen and R. Michael Johns Collection, which will feature works by many prominent artists, including Robert Arneson, Ralph Bacerra, Viola Frey, Ron Nagle, Richard Notkin, Ken Price, Adrian Saxe, Akio Takamori and Beatrice Wood, among others. Ron Nagle, an internationally acclaimed ceramist, will be the guest of honor and present the opening lecture. Jo Lauria, an independent curator who is well-versed on the topic, will moderate a panel discussion on California ceramics. Also on view will be The Ceramics of R. Michael Johns, an M.F.A. from Otis who studied with Ralph Bacerra and who helped guide Stéphane Janssen with his ceramics collection. Save the weekend of February 23-26 for special guest lectures, performances, exclusive receptions, visits to collectors’ homes, opening receptions at Phoenix and Scottsdale galleries, the annual self-guided ceramics studio tour organized by Artists’ Advisory Committee, and of course, and the elegant Gala dinner with live and silent auctions. Watch for your invitation in December for this fun-filled weekend
Advanced tickets on sale now! For more information, please visit http://asuartmuseum.asu.edu/crcgala/ or call Tiffany Fairall at 480-965-0014.
Volunteers Wanted As we gear up for Ceramics Research Center’s 2006 Gala, we are looking for people with good ideas and will lend their talents and skills to us. Volunteers are the backbone of any successful event, and we need you!
CERAM-A-RAMA: CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ February 23-26, 2006
Name(s) _______________________________________ _______________________________________________
q YES! I am interested in
Address _______________________________________
m serving on a committee m volunteering during the Gala evening, February 25, 2006 m supporting the ASU Art Museum’s Ceramic Research Center with the pledge of a monetary gift of $__________ or an in-kind gift of ___________________________
City _________________ State ______ Zip __________ Phone ________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________ Send to: Ted Decker, ASU Art Museum, P.O. Box 872911, Tempe, AZ 85287-2911
From the Curator of Ceramics
Collector Marc Grainer showing curator of ceramics Peter Held around his beautiful Potomac, Maryland, – home during a CLA tour, coinciding with the NCECA conference, 2005.
One of the great joys of being at the Ceramics Research Center is the people who visit. This spring we had a number of artists in town, including John Mason, James Lovera, Jun Kaneko and his wife Ree Schonlau, Joan TakayamaOgawa, Jane Abersold and Carol Fleming. Many of these artists are represented in our permanent collection and while here, we provided a tour of our open storage to offer an overview of the more than 1,000 works on display.
We also had a number of curators come see our facilities. These include independent curator Susanne Frantz, who was the Curator of Glass at the Corning Museum and has relocated to the Phoenix area; Davira Taragin from the Racine Art Museum; and Vicki Halper, who is guest curator of the Howard Kottler exhibition currently on view. Gerry Williams of Studio Potter fame also visited the center to find out more about our growing archives.
Both Garth Clark and Mark Del Vecchio from Garth Clark Gallery in New York came to lecture on British ceramics in conjunction with the exhibition British Ceramic Masterworks: Selections from the Anne and Sam Davis Collection. They attended the ceramic graduate students weekly seminar, where they provided insights into the gallery world and offered the students advice in developing a career after their studies. Gallerist Ruth Braunstein from San Francisco also viewed the collections and learned more about our efforts in promoting contemporary ceramics. Collectors Sandy Besser, Santa Fe; Marc Grainer, Potomac, Maryland; Stephen and Pamela Hootkin, New York City; Jane and Leonard Korman, Florida; and Richard Jacobs, California, also enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about our programs and collections. Dr. Linda H. Mantel, President, Board of Directors Contemporary Crafts Museum and Gallery, Portland, Oregon, Barbara Koostra, Director, Montana Museum of Art & Culture at the University of Montana, and Susan Strickler, Director of the Currier Museum of Art also spent time with us while in Phoenix. If you find yourself in Arizona, I would be more than happy to provide you with a tour of the Ceramics Research Center and ASU Art Museum. The collections are always on view and our galleries consistently show first-rate contemporary art from around the world. Peter Held, Curator of Ceramics
Exhibitions & Events
April 15 – August 27, 2005 LOOK ALIKES: The Decal Plates of Howard Kottler
Howard Kottler, Look Alikes from the series American Gothicware, 1972 edition of 1971 series. Commercial white porcelain plate with altered commercial decal and metallic (luster) glazes, 10 ¼ inches diameter. Seattle Art Museum, gift of the Howard Kottler Testamentary Trust, 91.68.1. Photo credit: Paul Macapia.
Organized by the Tacoma Art Museum, LOOK ALIKES: The Decal Plates of Howard Kottler is a nationally traveling exhibition of significant works by prominent American ceramist Howard Kottler. This original body of work, which consists of 60 porcelain plates created by Kottler between the 1960s and 1980s, has never been analyzed as a whole until now. The exhibition illustrates the wit and irony of this notable Northwest artist whose works challenged conventional notions of gender, politics, religion and art. Look Alikes presents a survey of Kottler’s decal plates that impart multiple messages and reflect the rebellious spirit of the time.
Original funding for the exhibition provided by the Howard Kottler Testamentary Trust. The ASU Art Museum presentation of this exhibition and programs are supported in part by Friends of the ASU Art – Museum, Mark and Ellie Lanier, and Ceramic Leaders of ASU (CLA).
About the Artist Howard Kottler (1930–1989), a former University of Washington professor, is known for rejecting traditional studio ceramic practices that emphasized and valued hand-made objects. Contrary to the studio potters who wedged clay and calculated glazes for plate-making, Kottler created his works with mass-produced, store-bought plates and commercial decals. The decals he chose included reproductions of wellknown images such as Leonardo DaVinci’s The Last Supper and Grant Wood’s American Gothic. Kottler altered these images, often with political intent, by cutting and combining the decals and then affixing them to inexpensive white porcelain plates, which he purchased in bulk.
Child creating her own teapot out of playdough at last year’s Tea Party.
Saturday, August 13, 4-6 p.m. ADOPT-A-POT! Back to School Tea Party at the ASU Art Museum’s Ceramics Research Center The ASU Art Museum’s Ceramics Research Center will host its second annual summer tea party for children and their parents on Saturday, August 13 from 4-6 p.m. at the CRC. The event offers Valley families the opportunity to appreciate the Museum as a place where parents and children can experience art and art-making activities together. The Museum encourages party guests to give back to the local community by bringing school and art supplies that will be donated to children at Tempe Pappas Regional Elementary School, one of the museum’s community partners. Families who attend the ASU Art Museum’s Ceramics Research Center Adopt-A-Pot! Back to School Tea Party on Saturday, August 13, will be treated to a scavenger hunt and teapot modeling activities while enjoying iced tea and delicious treats, including a fabulous teapot-shaped cake from Tammie Coe Cakes, finger sandwiches from MJ Bread, and tea from China Mist Tea Company.
Akio Takamori, Karako, 2005. Hand-built, stoneware, 32 x 33 x 24 inches. Collection of the artist. Made in Seattle, WA.
September 9, 2005 – January 16, 2006 Akio Takamori: Between Clouds of Memory, A Mid-Career Survey The ASU Art Museum’s Ceramics Research Center is organizing a major mid-career survey exhibition, Between Clouds of Memory: Akio Takamori, A Mid-Career Survey. The exhibition focuses on the artwork of Akio Takamori, a ceramic artist living in Seattle. Between Clouds of Memory provides the first in-depth critical assessment of Akio Takamori’s inventive ceramic and graphic art career, which spans more than 25 years. Though born and raised in Japan, Takamori has spent the majority of his artistic career in the United States and regarded as one of the most exciting and imaginative artists to emerge from the golden years of American ceramics – in the 1980s. The exhibition comprises 42 ceramic objects and nine prints drawn from the CRC permanent collection, the artist’s holdings and other private and public collections nationwide. Takamori’s signature “envelope” vessels constitute a groundbreaking development in the vessel tradition and coincide with a time in the 1980s when American ceramics let loose a torrent of creative energy. Many of the major artists came out of Takamori’s alma mater, the Kansas City Art Institute, under the tutelage of ceramics master Ken Ferguson. After a residency at the famed European Ceramics Work Centre in 1993, Takamori turned toward freestanding figures installed in distinctive groupings. These figurative sculptures deliver plainspoken accounts of the artist’s ongoing search for personal and cultural identity in an era of increasing global influences and contradictions. At the same time, they redefined figuration in clay, bringing to the medium deep emotive and psychological connotations. Through each of his creative evolutions, Takamori has challenged our readings of his art. Each twist in his work announces new realities, triggering a host of associations in his viewers – some close to the surface, others buried deep within. Assessing Takamori’s remarkable career, we witness an unfurling worldview, an artist flexing time and space to reconstitute an identity caught between clouds of memory. Between Clouds of Memory will travel to three additional venues: Marylhurst University’s Art Gym, to coincide with the 40th Annual National Conference of the National Council on Education of the Ceramic Arts (NCECA), Portland, Oregon, March 7 through May 3, 2006; Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma, Washington, June 10 through October 2, 2006; and the Racine Art Museum, Racine, Wisconsin, October 29, 2006 through March 18, 2007.
Fifty tea cups are available for children and an accompanying adult. Early reservations are recommended in order to guarantee a place at the tea party. For price and additional information, contact Laura Stewart, the ASU Art Museum’s curator of education, at 480-965-2873.
A substantial publication will be published with the exhibition. Richly illustrated with some 85-color plates, Between Clouds of Memory presents multiple perspectives on the artist’s practice. In his thoughtful and personal introduction to the book, noted historian and dealer in modern and contemporary ceramics Garth Clark reflects on his relationship with the artist, now spanning more than two decades. Exhibition curator Peter Held takes a look at the artist’s unique upbringing and life experiences, from the impact of growing up in postwar Japan to his move to the United States to study and to launch his career, as well as influential figures in the development of his creative voice. Award-winning author Edward Lebow provides a thoughtful and witty analysis of key works from throughout Takamori’s career, stemming from the artist’s own tangled identity and a rich pool of sources and inspirations. Toyojiro Hida, a prominent Japanese curator, writer and critic, provides unique insights into Japanese cultural and social influences in Takamori’s work. Also included is a comprehensive chronology as well as extensive exhibition and bibliographic listings.
The Adopt-A-Pot! Back to School Tea Party is organized by the ASU Art Museum and its Ceramics Research Center and is sponsored in part by Lance Ross. In-kind support for the Adopt-A-Pot! Back to School Tea Party provided by China Mist Tea Company, MJ Bread, and Tammie Coe Cakes.
Marquand Press has designed and printed the publication; the University of Washington Press, Seattle, will distribute the book as well as the ASU Art Museum Store. The hardcover book will retail for $35 and be available after September 1.
A fun new feature of this year’s event is the opportunity for children to adopt a teapot. A special label with the child’s name on it will be posted next to the teapot in the open storage area of the CRC for a period of one year where it will be seen by thousands of annual visitors.
system from galleries and museums helped propel the careers of artists seeking more meaningful ways to express their creativity. A revolution in clay began under the charismatic leadership of Peter Voulkos. Ceramics at this time were steeped in hide-bound traditions; Voulkos embraced and redefined the potential of clay as an innovative form of contemporary art, embracing individual expression rather than following the crowd. Rules were broken and a new ceramic frontier was born. The figure became a prominent foil for artistic expression in clay and witnessed a resurgence of interest in the 1960s, primarily from West Coast artists, including Robert Arneson and Viola Frey. During the 1970s and 1980s, another sea change took place. Many artists began using the vessel format to express painterly concerns or to convey personal stories, either as painted narration on the surface or as fully integrated form and design. The exhibition will also feature a number of emerging artists who have forged a new voice within the ceramic idiom.
Akio Takamori, Western Paradise, 1996. Lithograph on paper, 16/24, 10 x 20 inches image. Collection of the artist. Printed at Lawrence Lithography, Kansas City, MO.
Related Events October 7, 7 p.m., artist lecture, ASU Art Museum October 8, 7-9 p.m., members’ and invited guests preview, ASU Art Museum October 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., artist demonstration, Mesa Art Center October 9, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., brunch with artist, CRC fee $75
Beatrice Wood, Untitled, c. 1980. Ceramic, 10 x 16 inches. Collection of the ASU Art Museum; from the collection of Diane and Sandy Besser 2004.037.019.
September 16, 2005 – January 21, 2006 Innovation and Change: Great Ceramics from the Permanent Collection The Ceramics Research Center, a national and international destination for the hands-on study and enjoyment of ceramics, houses and displays the ASU Art Museum’s extensive ceramic collection of more than 3,000 objects. The collection seeks to embrace representative works by artists, or subject matter that reflects the social, cultural and historical activities of the world. The international holdings demonstrate the full range of technique, aesthetic approaches and possibilities within the medium. Innovation and Change: Great Ceramics from the Permanent Collection will highlight more than 50 works by many of the leading international artists of our time, offering a panoramic survey of the potential of clay as an expressive art form. The objects on view will range from functional ware for everyday use to more expressive sculptural forms. Innovation and Change features works by such internationally prominent artists as Robert Arneson, Rudy Autio, Hans Coper, Rick Dillingham, Ruth Duckworth, Viola Frey, Shoji Hamada, Ken Ferguson, Asger Jorn, Karen Karnes, Bernard Leach, Maria Martinez, Otto and Gertrud Natzler, Lucie Rie, Edwin and Mary Scheier, Angus Suttie, Akio Takamori, Peter Voulkos, Kurt Weiser and Betty Woodman, to name just a few. Some of the participating artists started their careers when the studio movement in America was in its infancy. After World War II, there was renewed interest in the craft movement, with many universities establishing programs and more museums showcasing the work. European émigrés escaping harsh political realities abroad came to the United States and became important role models to aspiring young Americans. Influenced by European modernist design, as well as Asian pottery traditions, these emerging ceramic pioneers created a new American aesthetic. During the second half of the 20th century, the craft field matured and prospered. Growing appreciation from the public and a strong support
February 11 – August 5, 2006 A Ceramic Legacy: Selections From the Stéphane Janssen and R. Michael Johns Collection In February 2004, the ASU Art Museum announced it would receive 686 ceramic works valued close to $4 million in contemporary ceramics from Arizona resident and Belgian native Stéphane Janssen, considered one of the world’s leading collectors of contemporary art. The donation consists of Janssen’s entire ceramics collection, with the exception of the works in his home – which are a promised gift to ASU – and his historic and contemporary Native American collection. Janssen’s ceramics collection was acquired over a decade with his late partner, ceramist R. Michael Johns. To be officially named The Stéphane Janssen and R. Michael Johns Collection, it includes work by major American and international ceramists, including Robert Arneson, Akio Takamori, Jun Kaneko, Viola Frey, Adrian Saxe, Richard Notkin, George Ohr, Ruth Duckworth and Harrison McIntosh, as well as a variety of emerging artists. Janssen’s ceramics collection was built combining two approaches – choices made with Johns’ studied eye for technical merit and those made with Janssen’s eye for pure aesthetic. The result is extraordinary diversity – from massive figurative sculptures that grace the Janssen residence to the elegant functional pottery of Michael Cardew, Shoji Hamada, Bernard Leach, Otto and Gertrude Natzler and Harrison McIntosh, among others.
Robert Arneson, Rooted, 1983. Bronze head on ceramic pedestal, 74 x 24 x 24 inches. Collection of the ASU Art Museum; Gift of Stéphane Janssen 2004.020.001 © Estate of Robert Arneson. Licensed by VAGA, New York, N.Y.
February 11 – August 5, 2006 The Ceramics of R. Michael Johns Running concurrently will be a featured exhibition of the ceramic art of R. Michael Johns, an M.F.A. graduate of ceramics at the Otis College of Art + Design in California. Under the tutelage of ceramics master Ralph Bacerra, Johns created a unique body of work comprising primarily sculptural teapot forms. R. Michael Johns, Rock Teapot, 1989 – 90. Ceramic, glaze, lusters, 13 x 12 ½ x 3 ¾ inches. Courtesy of Stéphane Janssen.
Intern News Over the years, the Ceramics Research Center’s staff has been fortunate to work with many talented students who served as interns. Internships at the CRC provide work-related, hands-on experience for students in the arts and other disciplines. In addition to earning credit toward a degree, the internship experience provides personal and intellectual development as new skills, knowledge and abilities are enhanced and professional relationships are formed. During the spring 2005 semester, we had the pleasure of working with two students from the School of Art. Sarah Walsberg, an art history undergraduate, researched and documented the museum’s historic Asian ceramics, and David Crenshaw organized archival material on the ceramist Glen Lukens. In January 2005, the ASU Art Museum offered for the first time two paid curatorial internships sponsored by the Windgate Charitable Foundation
with one focusing on projects for the CRC. We are pleased to announce that Deborah Deacon is the CRC’s first Windgate Intern. A Ph.D. candidate in art history at ASU, Deb was a 2003-04 Fulbright recipient, researching her dissertation in the Philippines. In addition to four years of teaching experience, Deb has curated several exhibitions including Stitches of War, which made its debut at ASU’s Museum of Anthropology in 2004. Deb’s extensive background and research skills will be instrumental in the organization and development of the CRC’s Susan Harnly Peterson Archive. If you would like more information regarding internship opportunities at the CRC, contact Peter Held at 480-727-8173. For more information about the Windgate internship, contact Heather Lineberry at 480-965-5272. Thank you Deb, Sarah and David for your interest and hard work!
Planning Your Next Visit to the Ceramics Research Center Contacts: Peter Held, Curator of Ceramics, 480-727-8173
Center Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free Admission
For more information call 480-965-ARTS(2787). Free docent-led tours are available by appointment. Trained volunteers will tour your group through the gallery and open collection areas. The Ceramics Research Center is a self-sustaining program of the ASU Art Museum. No State funds were used in the production of this newsletter.
Membership –
CLA members must first be members of the ASU Art Museum
Send to: ASU Art Museum, CLA– Membership, P.O. Box 872911, Tempe, AZ 85287-2911
ASU Art Museum Membership BENEFITS (by Support Level) ACTIVE ($50) • Advance invitations to all exhibition openings, films and programs • Frequent updates on museum and other important arts events through the electronic newsletter • 10% discount at the award-winning Museum Store • Full-color academic year Museum Calendar featuring images from current exhibitions and the permanent collection • Early registration and/or discounts at workshops and demonstrations (Fair Market Value = $0) SUPPORTING ($100) all of the above, plus: • Invitations to private events with the director and guest artists • Recognition in the museum exhibition catalogues as a supporting member (Membership benefits for up to two adults and children under 18) (Fair Market Value = $0) CONTRIBUTING ($500) all of the above, plus: • Special invitation to exclusive exhibition “sneak peaks” • A exhibition catalogue published by the museum during the membership year • Recognition in the museum exhibition catalogues as a contributing member • Annual recognition in the museum lobby (Fair Market Value = $15) PATRON ($1000) all of the above, plus: • Copies of all museum exhibition catalogues published during the membership year • Recognition in museum exhibition catalogues as a patron member • Priority notification of museum trips and other events (Fair Market Value = $30)
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Ceramic Leaders at ASU (CLA) BENEFITS (by Support Level) – CLA STUDENT ($50) – • Receive CLA mailings, including exhibition and event announcements – • Receive invitations to CLA events, such as Members’ Previews, etc. – • Receive an annual CLA Membership Directory *(Fair Market Value Benefit = $0) – CLA REGULAR ($100) all of the above, plus: – • Special CLA annual event opportunity • Recognition of support in the Ceramics – Research Center and CLA newsletter – • Annually, receive a special CLA promotional item **(Fair Market Value Benefit = $10) – CLA PATRON ($500)*** all of the above, plus: • Recognition in ceramics-related exhibition catalogues • Recognition in Ceramics Research Center as a Patron Supporter for one year • Annually, receive a gift of an original ceramic artwork • Annual invitation to dine with director or curator (Fair Market Value Benefit = $30)
*Your name and contact information will appear in – this year’s CLA Membership Directory, exclusively – available to CLA members only. **Your gift benefits the ASU Art Museum and will be deposited in the ASU Foundation, a separate non-profit organization that exists to support ASU. Payments in excess of fair market value may be considered a charitable contribution. An acknowledgement from the ASU Foundation will confirm your gift.
Name(s)* _____________________________________ _____________________________________________ Address _____________________________________ City ________________ State ______ Zip __________ Phone ______________________________________ E-mail ______________________________________ – CLA SUPPORT CATEGORIES (please check one) ____ $50 Student ____ $100 Regular ____ $500 Patron*** ____ I do not want my name and contact information to – appear in this year ’s CLA Memership Directory* – All members of CLA, the Ceramics Research Center support organization for the ASU Art Museum, must be members of the ASU Art Museum. Please complete the following application for the museum membership.
MUSEUM MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT CATEGORIES ____ $50 Active ____ $100 Supporting ____ $500 Contributing ____ $1,000 Patron PAYMENT ____ Check (payable to: ASU Foundation**) ____ Visa ___ Master Card ___ American Express Card # _______________________________________ Expiration _____________________________________ Signature _____________________________________ ***PATRON LEVEL MEMBERS Please complete: ____ I decline the annual patron level benefit of $30. Therefore, my entire membership payment of $500 may be a charitable contribution. ____ My (or my spouse’s) employer is a matching gift corporation. Employer
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