tender / queer is an Online Invitational Exhibition celebrating Pride Month through ceramics. Guest curated by Dustin Yager, the exhibition showcases the work of six ceramic artists in the LGBTQ community who are deeply committed to their practice and to supporting the LGBTQ community at large. The work seen here includes both sculptural and functional ceramics, with a range of making processes that speaks to the versatility of clay to act as a conduit for the artist's voice. Participating artists include: Shea Burke, Aaron Caldwell, Heather Mae Erickson, phi le, Anika Major, and Maya Vivas.

“As LGBTQ artists, we open up the stories of our lives through our work, and how we talk about it—in person, online, and in writing. That act is not always entirely comfortable, ranging from empowering to eviscerating, tender to hurtful, blazing swords to wilted blossoms. The artists in this exhibition not only display an emotional range in their ceramic works, but also have deep engagements with their communities. Through creating spaces, depicting our queer lives, building connections, and living out and proud lives, they show that even our softest work has a core of incredible strength” Dustin Yager

Guest Curator Dustin Yager has been working with clay for more than a dozen years, carefully developing expertise in working with porcelain on the pottery wheel. Prior to coming to New York in 2016, he lived and worked in Minneapolis and Chicago. Dustin has exhibited his work across the country and internationally, and given presentations about his practice at the Walker Art Center, the National Council for Education in the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) and Pecha Kucha Chicago. He is originally from Wyoming and now lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.

Now Available! Watch tender / queer Virtual Artist Talk from June 13,2022

Watch a Virtual Artist Talk by Dustin Yager, from our Clay Art Center Virtual Library
Shop Dustin Yager at Clay Art Center

Please hover or tap dot on images below (on mobile device) for more information, including artist bios and links to purchase works.

The Mission of the Clay Art Center Gallery is to provide a platform for emerging and established artists to explore a wide range of topics that address materials, processes and techniques, and to engage in critical dialogue through clay. We are committed to exhibiting a variety of work representing diverse backgrounds, and we support our artist and student communities through gallery programming opportunities.