Arts Council of Princeton

On view in our Taplin Gallery:
WILD CLAY
Curated by John Reinking and Marg Diaz
On view: Mar 21 – Apr 18

Exhibition statement:
“Wild clay” refers to clay that is not commercially available, but instead has been personally sourced from the earth. It must be discovered, dug, used in its raw state – or sometimes, refined – and then tested. Unlike commercially processed clay, wild clay enables the maker to tap into the unique characteristics of a specific place — its colors, textures, and material properties — revealing the distinct identity of the local landscape.
Clay is intrinsically linked to anthropology: we understand much about societies of the past through their use of clay. Local “wild” clay offers discovery of local history, ecology, geology, science, and a contemporary view of art. In most cases, local wild clay is infused with such color and character incomparable to commercial clay.

Working with wild clay fosters a deeper connection to the long lineage of makers who, for thousands of years, shaped and reshaped their worlds through this material. It offers a way to step outside the relentless cycle of consumerism and mass production, reminding us that art and ecology are intertwined and fostering awareness of our materials, where they come from, and our impact on the land.

Learn more: https://artscouncilofprinceton.org/event/wild-clay-exhibition/.

On view in our Siegal Gallery:
The Traveling Waffle House Interviews
By artist Sheryl Bassman
On view: Mar 21 – Apr 18

Artist Exhibition Statement:
I have had an obsession with the Waffle House and its ageless presence for as long as I can
remember. I spent the majority of my life waitressing and traveling around the country and have
had the greatest experiences meeting people from all different walks of life. I’ve learned that one
wears many hats as a waitress working with the public. You are a therapist listening to
strangers’ problems; a salesperson selling items on the menu; a mediator between the customer
and cooks when the food comes out wrong; a housekeeper keeping the restaurant clean and
sanitized; a cashier responsible for bills and payments. All of this must be done with a smile on
your face. Despite all this, serving is commonly looked down upon as a mediocre job and not a
career – something one does when they cannot find any other work.

Through words and portraits, I give recognition to each waitress/waiter. Each portrait is
illustrated in ballpoint pen that waitress/ers use, and completed on bold yet simple black and
yellow Waffle House colors and is accompanied by a short story of what they shared about
themselves to me.

https://artscouncilofprinceton.org/event/the-traveling-waffle-house-interviews/

On view in our Lower Level Gallery:
The Ephemeral Waltz of the Butterfly
By Gina Lucia
On view: Mar 21 – Apr 18

Exhibition statement:
Our bodies by construction imitate objects in nature that keep us alive. However, we are as ephemeral as the leaves on a tree and as we evolve, change form and respond to environmental changes, we shed our leaves, our skin and transform, wither and die. The very essence of our existence is as ephemeral as our world, our planet and all of the living things in the eco-system. Human kind is a part of the earth as are all of the creatures, insects, birds, plants and other organic matter.

Learn more: https://artscouncilofprinceton.org/event/the-ephemeral-waltz-of-the-butterfly/