The week’s news in the ceramic art world – September 26, 2024

The Virginia A. Groot Foundation invites ceramic artists to apply for their grants, offering 60,000, $30,000, and $20,000 to artists with exceptional talent and demonstrated ability in ceramic sculpture. They welcome and encourage international applicants at any stage of their career development. Applications are due February 1, 2025.

In June, I had the honor of visiting the Keramikmuseum Westerwald in Germany as a juror for the prestigious 15th Westerwald Prize, an event that celebrates contemporary ceramics. Seeing such a diverse and exceptional selection of works reminded me again why I love ceramics and the importance of these events. They not only showcase a wide range of concepts and perspectives but also foster collaboration among artists, curators, and researchers, in an effort to present the public with insights into the ever-evolving world of ceramics. Under the guidance of Nele van Wieringen, the museum’s director, her team skillfully displayed the works of over 70 artists. The opening of the exhibition and the awards ceremony will take place later this week on Friday, September 27, at 7 pm, followed by a symposium titled Facts and Visions of Sustainability in Ceramics the next day. You can read Nele van Wieringen’s jury report and explore a photo gallery of the exhibition in Ceramics Now.

Discover the story of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in Dr. Marte Johnslien’s article, exploring how the world’s most-used white pigment shapes our world while profoundly impacting the environment. Through ceramics and glaze, her research group critically engages with TiO2’s environmental implications, connecting its mineral origins to broader societal and ecological questions, and highlighting the artistic journey of using materials from mining sites to foster a deeper connection to natural resources. Read the full article in Ceramics Now.

We recently published Doug Navarra’s review of Ranti Bam’s debut exhibition at James Cohan, New York: “These vessels transcend mere utilitarian functionality; while we might classify them as “spatial containers,” their significance extends far beyond that label. Within them, we find a rich tapestry of cultural constructs, influenced by Western thought, African traditions, and Yoruba culture.” Read the full review in Ceramics Now.

There are just a few days left to apply for Studio Potter’s Grants for Apprenticeships Program, which supports emerging artists who want to become full-time studio potters and mentor potters who wish to take on apprentices. Five $15,000 are available this year. Applications are due September 30.

Another call for applications ends on September 30: The Center For Fine And Applied Arts TERRA invites artists to apply to participate in the 44th International Terracotta Sculpture Symposium TERRA, which will be held between July 1-31, 2025, in Kikinda, Republic of Serbia. The organizers cover airline tickets, accommodation, food, and equipment, and there is a €1,000 royalty fee.

The Ceramic Brussels fair recently announced the ten winners of its 2025 Art Prize. They will be exhibited at the entrance to the fair in a scenography curated by Jean-Marc Dimanche, co-director of the event.

Later today, Joan B Mirviss will host an online gallery talk focusing on the life and work of the incredible Japanese-American artist Toshiko TAKAEZU (1922-2011), whose works in clay, fiber, and other media are currently touring the USA in the exhibition, Worlds Within. Glenn Adamson, acclaimed scholar and curator; Darlene Fukuji, board member of the Toshiko Takaezu Foundation and grandniece of the artist; Elisabeth Agro of the Philadelphia Art Museum; Laura Mott of the Cranbrook Art Museum; and Carolyn Herrera-Perez of the Chazen Art Museum will be engaging in a lively discussion about the artist, her career, and her oeuvre.

C14 PARIS 2024 is taking place on the first weekend of October in a beautiful heritage building in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. The show will display the works of 32 artists and aims to bring together ceramic artists, art galleries, and collectors.

CERCO International Festival of Contemporary Ceramics is happening this week in Zaragoza, Spain. The festival includes several exhibitions, performances, presentations, live music, a cinema day, and other activities.