A new exhibition featuring contemporary and traditional Korean ceramic practices is coming to The ACT Art Gallery in Maple Ridge.
The show called “Clay for You: Lineage” will feature the work of 13 members of the Maple Ridge-based Clay for You Korean Pottery Collective, demonstrating a lineage of Korean art traditions and contemporary innovations.
Each artist has created striking sculptural and detailed works that celebrate the history of Korean ceramic traditions, including: a pale green celadon glaze, earthy buncheong ware, intricate inlay, carving, and openwork surface techniques.
Founded by master potter Jung Hong Clay Kim, Clay for You is an artist collective of Korean and Chinese artists, dedicated to educating the public about Korean history, culture, and craft while creating rewarding cultural explorations of traditional Korean pottery and art practices.
The collective has gathered in their Maple Ridge studio for more than 10 years.
“Clay for You: Lineage” will also include a collection of Master Kim’s ‘National Treasures’ – reproductions of historical Korean ceramic works from the Goryeo Dynasty from 918-1392.
And, Tumbler Percent will be on display, a solo exhibit by Clay for You member Sylvia Kim.
Kim will be presenting a collection of 100 ceramic tumblers, a body of work that applies a range of traditional Korean ceramic carving techniques to the contemporary form of the cup.
Each tumbler is a unique piece that demonstrates defining characteristics of Korean craft practices.
“We’re excited to host Clay for You,” said Russ Brummer, manager of arts, culture, and events. “Their work carries such heart, honouring tradition while showing how culture grows with us.”
“Clay for You is a collective of highly skilled artists,” added gallery manager and curator, Courtney Miller.
“As Maple Ridge is home to many ceramic artists and enthusiasts, we’re looking forward to sharing this exhibition with the community,” Miller said.
The ACT Art Gallery is owned and operated by the City of Maple Ridge and is located within The ACT Arts Centre, a community hub for arts and culture.
The gallery presents rotating exhibitions featuring emerging and mid-career artists from across the region and beyond.
Opening day for the exhibit is on Saturday, April 11, with a free opening reception from 2-4 p.m., at 11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge.
The display will run until Saturday, May 16.
For additional information, contact: ACTGallery@MapleRidge.ca and follow the @ArtsMapleRidge on Facebook and Instagram.