Radius Gallery opens second invitational ceramics exhibit

By Missoula Current

The Radius Gallery in downtown Missoula launched its second exhibit this past weekend wholly dedicated to ceramic arts, showcasing 12 clay artists with ties to Montana.

The careful curation provides a rich spectrum of the type of work possible – from functional teapots, vases and mugs to high-end, conceptual sculptures.

Each artist has carefully developed their own clay body to work with, from fine porcelain to rugged local clay harvested in Montana. Each has its own texture and finish that, in most cases, you're invited to touch.

Western Montana has been an innovative hotbed for ceramic arts for over 65 years and its international reputation continues to grow. This rich history began in the post-war years at The Archie Bray, a former brick foundry in Helena with strong ties to the art schools in Bozeman and Missoula.

The legacy of the Bray is evident in the artist exhibiting at Radius where 11 of the 12 have held positions at the clay center, from resident artists to the manager of the clay business to the executive director.

Artists included in the new exhibit include Adrian Arleo; Alessandro Gallo; Steven Young Lee; Jeremny Hatch; Deborah Schwartzkopf; Heesoo Lee; David Peters; Eric Van Eimeren; Chuck Aydlett; Giselle Hicks; Kenyon Hansen; and Mirian Griffin.

In addition, 5 long-term residents of The Clay Studio of Missoula are exhibiting in the back gallery: Crista Ann Ames, Andrew Avakian, Chris Drobnock, Kirk Jackson and Joshua Kuensting.

To call attention to Montana's rich ceramic engagement, Radius Gallery has committed to featuring at least one ceramist in each of their exhibits in 2017. You can check out their website for a full list of shows, or call 406-541-2020.

The gallery is open Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's located at 114 E. Main Street in downtown Missoula.