VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

Stop by the Artist Hall at HCCC (Houston Center for Contemporary Craft) to see Stretch, a juried exhibition of work by the local artist group, ClayHouston.

The ceramic artists were challenged by HCCC’s Curator of Fine Craft, Gwynne Rukenbrod, to “stretch” the medium and definition of clay. The resulting exhibition features beautiful pieces by 24 artists and showcases a range of ceramic processes. "Stretch" includes both functional pieces, such as vases, bowls, and teapots, and sculptural works.

Although some of the works on view are traditional in appearance, many of them utilize complex glazing techniques, highlight new approaches to mark-making, and experiment with the endless possibilities of clay.

Pictured: (top) Virginia Bally, Double Crain, 2009. Green celadon on porcelain, hand thrown. Photo by Andre C. Bally, Bally Studio. (bottom) Eileen Braun, Untitled, 2010. Porcelain, electric multi-fired fired to cone 6. Wheel thrown, blown out, altered, carved, sprayed under glazed, and slip trailed. Photo by Eileen Braun.