2021 State of the Art Ceramics Biennial: The Living World in Clay
Giertz Gallery Hosts 2021 Ceramics Biennial, curated by Chris Berti
"The Living World in Clay" curated by Chris Berti
Exhibit: October 25, 2021–February 5, 2022
Reception: October 28, 5:30–7:30 p.m.; weather permitting, conversation is encouraged outdoors
Artist Lecture: Janis Wunderlich, November 11, 10:30 a.m., available on Zoom and in L111
Gallery closed: November 24 (5 p.m.)–November 28 for Thanksgiving; December 18–January 9 for Holiday Break; and January 17 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Ceramic works by nationally recognized artists will feature in the Giertz Gallery exhibition "The Living World in Clay" this month and into the new year.
Artist and professor of Art and Design Chris Berti curates the 2021 State of the Art Ceramics Invitational. The exhibit, which brings together a "cross section of contemporary artists who invoke the rich tradition of incorporating human and animal figures into ceramic form," opened October 25 and will run through February 5, 2022.
An opening reception will take place tonight, October 28, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. in the gallery. Weather permitting, the courtyard doors will be open to encourage conversation after viewing the exhibit.
Janis Wunderlich will present an artist talk on November 11 at 10:30 a.m. This event is open to students, faculty, and staff at Parkland College in L111, and available virtually on Zoom. Register at parkland.edu/2021ceramicsbiennial.
Exhibit participants comprise artists and faculty from across the United States, including Ricky Barnett of Bakersville, North Carolina; Joe Bova of Santa Fe, New Mexico; William Brouillard of Lakewood, Ohio; Lynn Hobaica of Bakersville, North Carolina; Peter Jadoonath of Shafer, Minnesota; Kirk Lyttle of St. Paul, Minnesota; Jenny Mendes of Chesterland, Ohio; Tilla Rodemann of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts; Rimas VisGirda of Champaign, Illinois, and Janis Wunderlich of Monmouth, Illinois.
Cups Fundraiser. In tandem with the Ceramics Biennial exhibition, Giertz Gallery will host its biennial fundraiser, "Coffee and Tea: Cups and Dessert" on December 9 from 4–7 p.m. With each ticket, guests will select from handmade ceramic cups donated by the Parkland College ceramics program faculty and students, and enjoy desserts, tea, coffee, live music, and a silent auction. Bid on or purchase artworks donated by Art and Design faculty and students, including vases, bowls, teapots, pitchers, jewelry, and scarves; auction items make perfect holiday gifts. A link will be available soon at parkland.edu/2021cupsbenefit to view auction pieces ahead of time and place bids.
Tickets for "Coffee and Tea: Cups and Desert" are $25 in advance or $30 at the door, with advance purchase recommended; attendees will have the option of attending from 4–5:30 p.m. or 5:30–7 p.m. A new selection of cups will be available for each time period, and will be chosen on a first come, first served basis. Tickets can be purchased online at parkland.edu/2021cupsbenefit or by phone at 217/351-2485. All proceeds support the Giertz Gallery.
Gallery hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Thursday, and noon–2 p.m. Saturday. The gallery will be closed from 5 p.m. Nov. 24 through 28 for Thanksgiving break; Dec. 18 through Jan. 9 for winter break; and Jan. 17 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
In compliance with state pandemic mandates, Parkland College has restricted access entryways and door checkers stationed at entrances. For Giertz Gallery, we suggest using the M1 parking lot on the north corner of campus. Enter through the M1 door and follow the gallery signage. The gallery is located in the north side of the X-wing and overlooks the outdoor fountain area.
Giertz Gallery acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Parkland College is a section 504/ADA-compliant institution; for accommodation, call 217/351-2505.
For more information about the invitational, the fundraiser, or the gallery, please visit parkland.edu/gallery or call the gallery office at 217/351-2485.