May 10 - June 13, 2021

Foreword by Kelly & Kyle Phelps

We were deeply humbled and appreciative of the opportunity to contribute to this powerful exhibition. We were also reminded that there were so many ceramic artists of color who have cleared the path, so we can continue to inspire future generations of clay loving artists. These artists of color from the past, many who may have never been formally recognized or exhibited, help break down some of the barriers that still exist today in the ceramic world.

The artists represented in the “State of Emergence” exhibition explore tensions of race and racism, ethnicity, sexism, and all the other “isms” that continue to plague our modern society. Not only are the artists who make up this exciting exhibition from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, but each artist explores the topics of race through a variety of different processes, techniques, and methods. Works range from hand built figurative sculpture, to wheel thrown glazed forms.

We thank the Color Network, a diverse organization of ceramic artists, born literally out of necessity to address the many challenges of institutional racism within the ceramic community. The Color Network carries the torch that will blaze the path for other ceramic artists of color now as well as in the future.

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Watch: Anthony Romero’s Orbital Tumble Vase in motion

State of Emergence, an exhibition curated by The Color Network, in partnership with The Clay Art Center, features the work of 15 Emerging Artists of Color who have just graduated, or are just entering the field of ceramics.

This exhibition speaks to the current state of the world these artists are navigating, with obstacles in the field such as fewer opportunities, resources and lack of physical community. These artists are also invited to address institutional racism, and how it is being dealt with by organizations and establishments in society. Additionally, the artists have been invited to explore how they are making connections with each other through the online environment, which has bloomed out of necessity in the current times.

Featured artists include: Sydnie Elizabeth Jimenez, Anthony Romero, Moises Salazar, Jessica Villegas, Karen Jaimes, Laura Caroline Casas, Grace Esther Gittelman, Isolina Minjeong Alva, Alex Paat, Maya Beverly, Catalina Cheng, Ashlyn Pope, Breana Hendricks, Nitza Walesca Rosario, and taty hernandez.

This exhibition has both an onsite gallery experience available to view by appointment, and an online gallery experience available to view any time.

Join us for two Virtual Launches with a selection of the artists, May 18, 7pm ET and June 2nd, 7pm ET. See links below.