The Art of Wood-Fired Ceramics, an invitational international exhibition, curated by Potters Guild members Brett Thomas and Mark Tyson, featuring work by 40 artists from Japan, France, New Zealand, Indonesia, Denmark, and the United States and featuring the work of renowned artist Peter Callas, opens in the Duke Gallery at Community Arts Center, 414 Plush Mill Road, Wallingford, PA, on Saturday, February 1, 2020, beginning at 10 a.m. An opening reception, featuring live music by Melange Jazz Quartet, wine, and refreshments, will take place from 5 – 8 p.m.  The exhibition and reception are free and open to both the public and art collectors. The work in the exhibition showcases the uniqueness, power, and breadth of the wood-firing technique with styles ranging from wabi-sabi to expressionism.

The show is anchored by a collection of large expressionist ceramic sculptures by Peter Callas who is celebrating his 50th year as a ceramic artist. After traveling to Japan in 1973 to study ceramics, Peter built the first Anagama (wood-fired) kiln in the United States in 1976.  Over the past 50 years, he has exhibited on five continents and received numerous awards and grants including the Pollack/Krasner Foundation Grant in 2018. His work is included in the collections of over 30 museums worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Sculptural works by many other artists are also included in the exhibition.

Additionally, the exhibition includes a very special collection of over 150 Tea Bowls from around the world.  This collection explores the significant aesthetic potential of contemporary tea bowls made for or inspired by, Japanese tea ceremony. This collection is an expansive survey of the influences and cross-cultural pollination that has produced interesting and beautiful bowls that transcend their intended utility and can be viewed as works of art.

The Art of Wood-Fired Ceramics exhibition runs through March 6th. Gallery hours are Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., Friday – 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Saturday – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For a complete list of participating artists, more information or driving directions, contact Community Arts Center at 610-566-1713, online at www.communityartscenter.org or follow them on Facebook.