Castings in Contemporary Ceramics October 5 to December 16, 2007 Lora Robins Gallery of Design from Nature University of Richmond Museums The Lora Robins Gallery of Design from Nature, University of Richmond Museums, presents Castings in Contemporary Ceramics, on view October 5 through December 16, 2007. This exhibition features the work of eight contemporary artists who illustrate the complexity and versatility of ceramics being created today.   The content of the pieces range from deeply personal and philosophical to concerns about the environment and the human condition, and the artists explore the basic notions of functional ceramics and sculptural objects.   The artworks featured in the exhibition have two things in common; all of the work is made of ceramic material and the artists have utilized a plaster mold at some point in the creation of their work.   The similarities end there, and the diversity of the objects demystifies the fine craft of mold making.
Artists featured in the exhibition include Susan Beiner (American, born 1962), Michelle Erickson (American, born 1960), Paul McMullan (American, born 1959), Mika Negishi Laidlaw (Japanese, born 1971), Richard Notkin (American, born 1948), Tom Spleth (American, born 1946), Steven Thurston (American, born 1965), and John Williams (American, born 1974). Castings in Contemporary Ceramics was organized by the University of Richmond Museums in collaboration with the Potters Council, and Campbells Ceramic Supply, Inc. The exhibition was co-curated by Richard Waller, Executive Director, University of Richmond Museums, and Scott Meredith, Adjunct Assistant Professor in Art, Department of Art and Art History, University of Richmond, and Director of Research and Development, Campbells Ceramic Supply, Inc., Richmond. This exhibition has been made possible in part with funding from the University of Richmond's Cultural Affairs Committee.   In conjunction with the opening of the exhibition, the Potters Council Contemporary Castings Regional Conference will be held October 5 through October 7, 2007 at the University of Richmond, hosted by the Department of Art and Art History. For more information, call Potters Council at (866) 721-3322 or on the web at www.potterscouncil.org/contemporarycastings . PROGRAMMING - Friday, October 5, 2007, 6 to 8 p.m. 6 p.m., Lecture, Alice Haynes Reception Room, Tyler Haynes Commons "The Philosophy of Creative Slip-Casting: Thoughts on Plaster and Clay from the Past Thirty-Nine Years," Richard Notkin, artist in the exhibition, Castings in Contemporary Ceramics 7 to 8 p.m., Reception and preview of Castings in Contemporary Ceramics Lora Robins Gallery of Design from Nature, Boatwright Memorial Library - Friday, November 2, 2007, 12:30 to 1 p.m. Meet the Artist: Gallery Talk "Look More, Think Less," John Williams, a 1997 graduate of the University of Richmond and artist in the exhibition, Castings in Contemporary Ceramics Lora Robins Gallery of Design from Nature, Boatwright Memorial Library