1996 Exhibitions 

Five Jerome Artists: Kathleen Crook, Heather Delisle, Mike Norman, Monica Rudquist, Deborah Sigel

January 12 – March 1

An exhibition of the work of artists who received 1995 Jerome Project Grants: Kathleen Crook and Monica Rudquist make functional pots, although in very different forms and designs. The three other artists make primarily sculpture, which ranges from the manic whimsy of Mike Norman's large chickens, to Heather Delisle's haunting figures to Deb Sigel's abstract forms in steel and Egyptian paste. As required by the Foundation, all the artists were from Minnesota.

From Hips to Spaceships: Science and Design in Advanced Ceramics 

March 15 – May 3

Corning Catalytic Converter Substrate Silicon Nitrate Pump Valve Seats and Seal Rings
An exhibition of industrial objects and tools made from advanced ceramic materials. The exhibition was divided into five parts, corresponding to the major applications of ceramic materials: biomedical, optical, electric/electronic, mechanical/structural and thermal/refractory. Items ranged from ceramic knives and watches to ceramic fiber optic cable, shuttle tiles, capacitor chips and automobile engine parts. Also included were microscopy images of ceramic materials from the Department of Material Sciences at the University of Minnesota.

Left: Corning Catalytic Converter Substrate, Right: Silicon Nitrate Pump Valve Seats and Seal Rings

Andrea Gill and James Lawton: An Exploration of Vessels

June 24 – July 12

Andrea Gill art James Lawton art

An exhibition of two nationally known ceramists. While Andrea Gill's work is sculptural and James Lawton's is (semi) functional, both share an interest in fluid forms and adaptations of the vessel, as well as beautifully developed surfaces. Andrea Gill presented a slide-lecture, co-sponsored by the University of Minnesota Studio Arts Department, in conjunction with the exhibition opening.

Andrea Gill and James Lawton

Exhibition of Faculty and Studio Artists

July 26 – August 23

Biennial exhibition, juried this year by Curt Hoard, professor of ceramics at the University of Minnesota.

Clay, Wood and Fire: Dan Anderson, Rob Barnard, Joy Brown, Catherine Hiersoux, Chuck Hindes, Karen Karnes, Peg Malloy, John Neely, David Shaner

September 6 – November 2

An exhibition of 10 internationally-known artists who work with wood-fired finishes; guest-curated by Randy Johnston. Wood firing is an increasingly popular finish among ceramists doing some of the most exciting work today. The technique is primitive and somewhat unpredictable but can produce beautiful finishes. This exhibition provided both an aesthetic and a technical contrast to the earlier industrial ceramics exhibition. Objects in the exhibition included functional pots and large sculptures.

1996 Holiday Exhibition and Sale

November 17 – December 23

Major annual holiday exhibition and sale, featuring work by artists represented in the shop as well as other select regional artists.