“Clay Bodies” Exhibit Opens in the NYMRCC Gallery August 7th

NEW YORK MILLS, MN, Aug 5, 2024—The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is pleased to announce its new gallery exhibit: ”Clay Bodies” in the gallery from August 7 through September 7, 2024. This show features the art of six spectacular ceramic artists whose materials and styles range from sculptural to practical.

The six talented artists in this show are Sandra Shaughnessy, Blayze Buseth, Terry Shaw, John Shaw, Sean Scott, and Kate Scherfenberg. Each of these artists brings to the gallery their own style and interpretation of the art of clay.

Sandra Daulton Shaughnessy says of her work, “I describe my clay work as ‘ceremoniously functional,’ meaning there is an element of ritual involved while using my handmade pottery. Many of my pieces have an altered quality that expresses the softness of the clay and the atmospheric soda firing process.”

Blayze Buseth is a self-taught artist and founder of Creation Shop, a pottery and sculpture workshop started in downtown Fergus Falls in 2021. Creation Shop allows Buseth a public setting to create, teach, and share creative experiences. Projects fulfilled at Creation Shop include public and private commissions such as fine jewelry cameos, dinner sets, custom tiles, urn memorials, clay sculptures, and concrete monuments.

Terry Shaw and her husband John Shaw are both working artists living near Battle Lake. John creates unique ceramic sculptural pieces that combine beautifully thrown shapes with free-form clay that are intriguing and captivating. Terry trained as a metalsmith, has worked as an independent jewelry artist and teacher, and creates delightful, functional, and sculptural ceramic pieces.

Sean Scott and Kate Scherfenberg are the owners of Pomme de Terre Pottery near Battle Lake. They describe their work as “Considerately crafted fine art pottery, beautiful and useful, reflecting the hand and the land.” Their beautiful and sometimes whimsical ceramic pieces will add beauty to your table and home.

“Clay Bodies” is a term used by potters and in the ceramic industry. It refers to the earthenware, stoneware, or porcelain that forms the piece. The ceramic pieces you will see in this show are beautifully made using a wide variety of styles and clay bodies. This is a great show to purchase a unique, locally-made, one-of-a-kind piece of art for your home.

A reception will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024, from 4-6 pm. Many of the artists will be on hand to talk about their work. An artists’ talk will begin at 5:00 p.m. The reception is free to attend and open to all. Refreshments will be available.

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center Gallery is free to see and open to the public. Summer Gallery Hours are Tuesdays 10am-5pm, Wednesdays & Thursdays 10am-7pm, Fridays 10am-5pm, and Saturdays 10am-3pm. Private viewings can be arranged anytime by calling Cheryl Bannes at 218-385-3339 or emailing [email protected].

Visit kulcher.org or call the Cultural Center at 218-385-3339 with any questions. This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

About the Cultural Center The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a rural hub for creativity, community vitality, and lifelong learning in the arts. The Center offers visitors intimate opportunities to encounter art and artists in its 80-seat concert listening room, visual art gallery in a historic building, gift shop featuring local artists, artist residency program, sculpture park, and a variety of opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Since its incorporation in 1990, the Cultural Center has been passionate about connecting people to artists and rich cultural experiences in rural Minnesota, celebrating the local and being a window to the world. For more information, call 218-385-3339, or visit www.kulcher.org.