We are proud to welcome Talented Artists from around the region to teach and demonstrate their unique skill in our Studio.
wheel-thrown, press-molded, and 3D-formed clay components into striking "trophies." This is a great opportunity to learn how to combine multiple elements to build larger, more dynamic works of art.
In addition to the demonstration, Von will also share insights
into his artistic practice and perspective as both an artist and arts educator in an engaging artist talk.
Participants are invited to attend the opening of his exhibition on the evening before at Mount Mercy University (see further information below)
Von will demonstrate his process for creating large sculptures by assembling wheel-thrown, press-molded, and 3D-formed clay components into striking “trophies.” This is a great opportunity to learn how to combine multiple elements to build larger, more dynamic works of art.
In addition to the demonstration, Von will also share insights into his artistic practice and perspective as both an artist and arts educator in an engaging artist talk.
Von will continue to demonstrate his process for creating large sculptures by assembling wheel-thrown, press-molded, and 3D-formed clay components into striking “trophies.” This is a great opportunity to learn how to combine multiple elements to build larger, more dynamic works of art.
About the Exhibition: this exhibition deals with trophies, tragedy and the frustration of ignorance. As we know, trophies are often the spoils for, or from “winning” with it being a visual reminder of the others loss. With so much “winning” lately, these trophies are related to a dark time in history: Nothing happy here, nothing to celebrate.
This Exhibition will be held at Mount Mercy University, located in Cedar Rapids. This exhibition is curated by John Thomas Richard, food and drink will be provided.
Von received his M.F.A. from Indiana University, Bloomington in 1996. Von is currently Associate Professor of Ceramics, and former Associate Director for the Texas Tech University, School of Art.
Von aided in designing and building the new Ceramics Facility in the TTU 3D-Art Annex. He is a Nationally and Internationally known and exhibited artist, contributing to the ongoing and evolving world of ceramics.
Von has also established an exceptional reputation in Kiln Design and Construction, Architectural Ceramics, Ceramic Production Design, Ceramic RAM Press methods, Slip Casting, Mold Making and Wheel Throwing.
His work has been included in hundreds of juried, invitational, and solo exhibitions both Nationally and Internationally. His pieces are in numerous private collections, university collections, Museums, as well as being published in numerous books and periodicals.
After some discussion and introductions, Linda will discuss her process to creating her beautiful figurative sculptures.
Participants will then do a hands-on workshop and begin giving a cylinder a body shape, shoulders and arm attachments.
Participants will continue to create their sculpture adding hands/fingers and head with facial features.
This collection of sculptures reflect a collection of hidden thoughts collected about the things they think, but rarely, if ever, say out loud. Participants have shared their thoughts anonymously, either on postcards or a form following a QR code online. From their responses I noticed recurring themes: people expressing love, wishing to be understood, lamenting the past, getting something heavy off their chest , expressing something they feel very strongly about or simply wanting to let things be and find calm (to name just a few). This exhibit brings these private musings into a shared space, creating a collective conversation—a true congregation of thoughts.
I continue to create pieces based on hidden thoughts. Please consider following this QR code on the back of Linda Lewis’ business cards and contributing your ‘Hidden thoughts’. Watch for notifications of a ‘Hidden Thoughts’ Exhibit at Mainframe and other places around the state. Remember, your responses are anonymous.
This exhibit made possible by the partial funding of the Iowa Arts Council.
Please sign the ‘visitor book’ as I would like to report the number of people who saw the exhibit and report some of the reflections you had about the exhibit and your responses.
Artist Statement: I create figurative clay sculptures that are narrative in nature.
While the sculptures are done in a realistic style, I take creative liberties often exaggerating body proportions and adding unexpected color. This series is a precursor to a project I’m working on about hidden thoughts and conversations. I like the idea of what is said in conversation between people but also what is not stated aloud or is hidden between people.
The surfaces of my pieces are not standard. Whatever surface I choose for the piece is based on the story I am trying to tell. Each piece is hand built using slabs or coils; shaping, altering and incising the surface. The surface is a mixture of glazing techniques using drawing, designs and color that are added in layers
329 10th Ave SE, Suite 117
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Located on the 1st Floor of the Cherry Building
Studio Hours
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday-Thursday 10am – 8pm
Friday-Sunday 10am – 4pm
Gallery/Office Hours
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday-Thursday 10am – 5pm
Friday-Sunday 10am – 4pm
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