As a local potter, Wheeling is looking to get even more creative. The Oglebay Institute, Wheeling Heritage, Artworks Around Town, Clientele Art Studio and McLure House Hotel have teamed up to host a special acquisition of ceramic arts across the city.
‘Ceramics Take Over Wheeling’ kicks off with a reception on Friday and will be a seven-week ceramics showcase that includes jury-curated art exhibitions, workshops and special events. During this time, Wheeling is filled with unique and vibrant ceramic works created by local and visiting artists.
The Wheeling Ceramics Take Over concept was developed by local ceramic artist Lambros Tufrares.
“When presented with the concept of taking over ceramics at a national exhibition, the reaction from all the people and organizations involved was, ‘What can we do? It’s been a process with many people involved and many meetings over the past year and a half,” said Tsuhlares.
“I think Wheeling is the perfect place to host a national ceramics show.
The focus of Ceramics Take Over is the Earth and Fire exhibition at the Stifel Fine Arts from today until March 31st. 29 states. The exhibition will award a total prize pool of $7,000, with a grand prize of $4,000.
Regular gallery hours are 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday and 10 AM to 4 PM Saturday. Admission is free.
Rick Morgan, director of the Stifel Fine Arts Center, believes Wheeling could be “a cool and trendy place for potters.” He hopes the annual pottery event will draw more and more artists to town, perhaps making Wheeling their home.
“A friendly city can be a potter’s friend,” said Morgan.
Additional exhibitions focused on ceramics are planned throughout March at Artworks Around Town, Clienteleart Studio, the Oglebay Institute’s gallery at Towngate Theatre, and The McClure House Hotel.
The McClure House Hotel, 1200 Market Street, Wheeling will feature Stifel Potters in its storefront windows throughout March. The artist’s reception will be held in the hotel lobby on Saturday, March 18th from 4pm to 6pm.
Artworks Around Town, 2200 Market Street, Wheeling will feature ceramic works by Tom Thomas, Beau Bedillion and Betsy Cox, and an opening reception will be held on Friday, March 3 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
The Towngate Theater gallery at 2118 Market Street in Wheeling hosts a ceramics exhibition featuring works by Jennifer Allen and Richard “Duke” Miesnikovski. The opening reception is Thursday, March 9, from 6-8 PM.
From March 9th to April 2nd, Clientele Art Studio at 43 15th St., Wheeling will host Andrea Dubiel and Jake Pearce at the opening reception on Thursday, March 9th from 7-11pm .
For more information on these exhibits, please visit each institution’s website or visit ceramicstakeoverwheeling.com.
In addition to gallery exhibits, there are many special events for the community to attend. Wheeling Heritage will host a Potter’s Tea Party at the Wheeling Artisan Center on Saturday, March 25 from 3-5pm. Attendees will receive a handcrafted tea bowl upon entry, which can be filled with specialty teas provided by Empress Emporium Tea and Perfumery. Scones, tea sandwiches, and other snacks are also included with your $35 admission ticket. The event will also showcase tea sets made by local and regional potters and will be available for purchase during a silent auction during the event.
East Wheeling Clayworks, located at 747 Market Street, Wheeling, will have a special display of employee artwork in its retail store throughout the month of March. Other special events include various pottery workshops at the Stifel Fine Arts Center, Raku ware, and pottery throwing competitions.
To learn more about Wheeling Ceramics Takeover, visit ceramicstakeoverwheeling.com to check out all upcoming Ceramics events.
