‘Clayscapes’ at the Everson features artworks that explore landscape

“Clayscapes,” a group exhibition at the Everson Museum, has a wide-open format.

Indeed, the show, which celebrates ceramics, displays everything from delicate plates to a large sculpture portraying a broken-down fence, from a huge self-portrait to a teapot depicting a barn, from contemporary artworks to a bowl that was made around 1100 A.D. in a community located in what is now the Southwest United States. That community’s members are ancestors of current-day Pueblo peoples.

Most of all, the exhibit features artworks that explore the notion of landscape in different ways. For example, Robert Arneson’s “Mountain and Lake” has two distinct but interrelated segments: a large stoneware edifice shaped somewhat like a pyramid; a layer of clay with different shades of blue positioned on the floor.

Lidya Buzio, meanwhile, created “Grey Roofscape Vessel.” She was born in Uruguay, lived for many years in the New York City area, and was inspired by the skyline and buildings of Manhattan.

And the exhibition presents a variety of other ceramic works. Christina Cordova’s “La Persistencia del Verdor (The Persistence of Greenery),” combines her portrayal of a shirtless man standing on a pedestal ,and a photographic background that occupies most of a wall and references Mount Britton in Puerto Rico.

Elsewhere, there’s Syd Carpenter’s “Ramshackle Fence,” done in acrylic, graphite and earthenware. It features a fence depicted in large detail, partially covered with bottles, cans and other items. Carpenter was deeply interested in farms, gardens and ownership of land.

The exhibit also showcases work by another artist interested in rural landscapes. “True Round Barn Teapot” introduces viewers to Dan Anderson’s vessels. He depicted objects such as water tanks, tools and oil cans.

Other pieces further expand the exhibition’s discussion of landscapes: David Furman’s table-top depiction of a miniature golf course; Zenji Miyashita’s earthenware, “Inner Landscape.” The latter work is downright pretty.

It’s one of several artworks worthy of that description. Look for John Bennett’s “Vase with Dogwood,” done in earthenware, and Polia Pollin’s earthenware plate, with its ethereal  depiction of several women.

Beyond that, the show displays a variety of works that stand alone. Jack Earl’s self-portrait is large and expansive. He wears a baseball cap and is seen from the waist up on a pedestal. His legs appear in a separate form. The scene is filled out with items from his studio: a hammer and other tools, a bust and pieces of wood.

In addition, Paul Scott’s commemorative plates share his concerns about human’s impact on landscapes. One piece details how wildfires have devastated several regions of California, while “Ghost Gardens of Detroit” refers to urban decay. A third work references the ongoing controversy regarding immigration;  it features the words “No Human Being Is Illegal.”

‘Clayscapes” presents other noteworthy ceramic pieces. Michael lucero’s “Emperor Moth,” created in stoneware and wood, depicts a huge beetle with long, long wings. Lucero’s works depicted insects, reptiles and other creatures.

Don’t miss Dorothy Staller’s raku stoneware vessel, “Tree Ghosts,” and “Talking Earth,” a porcelain by Mohawk artist Steve Smith. It references Haudenosaunee cultural motifs such as the Tree of Peace.

Finally, the exhibition displays works created by artists associated with several regional facilities. One of them is Weller Pottery, whose headquarters were in Zanesville, Ohio. Prominent during the 1890s and early 20th century, it lasted until 1948. And in Cincinnati, Rockwood Pottery, founded by designer Maria Longworth Nichols in 1880, continues to operate today.

“Clayscapes” also presents a stoneware vessel created by Don Seymour, an artist and the long-time owner of Clayscapes, a local facility that plays multiple roles.  Founded in 2003, It sells ceramic supplies, offers classes instructing participants in how to make ceramics, and hosts a gallery. The  exhibition statement both summarizes the show’s portfolio and discusses Clayscapes’ impact on the local ceramics scene.

The show will be on display through October 20 at the Everson, 401 Harrison St. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday Friday and Sunday, on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

Admission is $14.00 for adults, $10.00 for seniors and students, $5.00 for children six to twelve years old, $2.00 for persons possessing an EBT card, and free for members, children five and younger, and people with a military ID. On Wednesdays, patrons can pay what they wish.

For more information, call 315-474-6064 or access everson.org.