Williamson’s figurative work shown here bears a saturated palette, a thick, tufted crust, and a concrete significance originating in the artist’s understanding of content. In this way, some of her most engaging pieces draw on a merging of representative likeness and intensely colored metaphor; the comparison of physicality and narrative. Her baseball figures are her latest series and her unique new style and approach to the subject have been welcomed by art collectors.
The Ceramics Annual of America 2011: at Fort Mason, Festival Hall, San Francisco, California
Exhibition Dates: October 7-9 2011
The exhibition and art fair runs Friday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. An opening reception is held Thursday, Oct. 6 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
The Ceramics Annual of America (CAA) is an ambitious exhibition and art fair spotlighting the quality and diversity of contemporary ceramics from around the world, including works from China, Korea, Mexico, Australia and Italy. The only event of its kind in the United States, its goal is to encourage the education and enrichment of the public, cultivate a fertile art market and foster dialog between collectors and makers of ceramic sculpture.
Part of California’s continuing legacy of excellence and innovation in ceramics, CAA is the largest exhibition and art fair that is entirely focused on ceramic art in America and is modeled after the ceramic biennials held in Europe, Korea, Japan and China. It provides a venue for the top regional and international artists working in the clay medium to show their work to a broader audience of collectors.
CAA is organized by the California Ceramics Cooperative, a group of invested regional ceramic artists, and will feature panel discussions, lectures and tours, plus daily interactive art demonstrations from 4 to 5 p.m. that will provide a greater understanding of the artistic process for students and educators alike. Admission is free all day Friday for students of Bay Area schools. Contact the Ceramics Annual for reservations.
Featured artist and instructor Kevin Nierman, author of “The Kids ’N’ Clay Ceramics Book,” will provide Artistic Childcare on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The exhibition will be held in the 50,000-square-foot Festival Hall at Ft. Mason, capable of accommodating as many as 10,000 people. A popular attraction for countless national and international visitors to the city, Ft. Mason still resonates with the presence of the California Funk movement of the ’60s and ’70s that inspired ceramic greats living in San Francisco today. Its close proximity to nature, unique architecture and nostalgic atmosphere contribute a breathtaking backdrop for an impressive array of ceramic sculptures.
Last year’s event, attended by more than 7,000, was a huge success. The museum-quality exhibition included educational lectures by curators such as Peter Selz and Phil Linhares and renowned artists such as Jim Melchert. According to art historian Peter Selz, “The size and scale of such an exhibition and the education opportunities, all under one roof, were extraordinary.”
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