Pittsburgh's first and only gallery exclusively dedicated to contemporary studio glass  

Visit Pittsburgh's first and only gallery exclusively dedicated to contemporary studio glass.
Welcome to the website of Pittsburgh's first and only gallery exclusively dedicated to contemporary studio glass including glass jewelry.
   

 

 

shows and exhibitions

japanesethreads

March 7 - April 28, 2008
Opening Reception: March 7, 2008 5:30-9

Visit Morgan Gallery’s first clay exhibition curated by gallery director Amy Morgan with Pittsburgh artist Ceil Sturdevant.

 

On Friday March 7 5:30-9 japanesethreads opens at morgan contemporary glass gallery. Also FirstFriday ArtWalk, several other galleries will also open ceramic exhibitions curated for the NCECA conference supporting Ceramix Pittsburgh. The gallery's first ceramic show, has been curated by gallery director Amy Morgan and Pittsburgh artist Ceil Sturdevant. The show will coincide with the NCECA conference in Pittsburgh March 19 - 22.


The show highlights work from many internationally renowned artists, all of whom share ties to Japan by study, culture, or history. They include: Bob Barry, Roger Baumann, Liz Biddle, Judith Duff, Yuichi Hirano, Pittsburgher Dale Huffman, Jeff Jewell, Mami Kato, Pittsburgher Kathy Koop, Mika Negishi Laidlaw, Jim Makins, T. Robert, Tim Rowan, Peter Seabridge, Jeff Shapiro, Paul Soldner, Pittsburgher Ceil Sturdevant, Kyouji Suigei, Steve Tobin, Jack Troy, Seinko Yamamoto, and Pittsburgher Cynthia Young.

  • March 19 9-6 NCECA Bus Tour will stop at the gallery throughout the day.
  • March 20 5-8pm A special meet & greet artist's reception will be held at the gallery. Many of the shows' artists will be in attendance.

  • March 21-22 Extended hours. Call for more information 412 441 5200 or email morglass@sgi.net The gallery is located in Shadyside at 5833 Ellsworth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15232.
  • April 4 5:30 - 9pm FirstFriday ArtWalk


The common threads which ties these artists to Japan's ceramic culture are varied, but they share the Japanese aesthetic, which celebrates the beauty of imperfection, the elegance of simplicity, and the essence of the nature of clay. Over half of the artists have studied at Tokoname, a Japanese city and school of ceramics world-renowned for its history and preservation of traditional ceramic techniques. Tokoname began as a producer of industrial ceramics, but soon blossomed into an international ceramic hub, attracting artists from all corners of the globe. Currently, Tokoname hosts workshops and study programs which allow artists to become immersed in the culture and environment of Japan.


Some artists have taken a contemporary approach to Japanese-style ceramics, while still incorporating traditional Japanese themes of nature, pattern and stillness. For example. Mika Negishi Laidlaw's refined sculptures possess a stillness and refined narrative that speaks to universal themes of mothering and birth. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Roger Baumann envelops moss and other plants in vessels that seem to mimic the very earth in which they grew.


Paul Soldner, frequently called the Father of American Raku, creates wheel- thrown and altered forms. "In the spirit of rakuness, make no demands, expect nothing, follow no absolute plan, be secure in change. Learn to accept another solution, and prefer to gamble on intuition." Soldner, who's work has inspired ceramicists around the world, embraces this philosophy through the distinct forms of his works and acceptance of the spirit of the medium.


Steve Tobin, known for his glass and bronze sculpture, makes his gallery debut with a body of exploded clay vessels with glass interiors as part of his "exploded earth series exemplifying the spontaneity which embodies a new approach to the Zen-like acceptance of a passing gesture. "I am trying to translate, capture and document an explosion into form, texture and color. I am also deconstructing a geometric form towards chaos. The piece is a document of this process." These vivid and mesmerizing works combine traditional Japanese ceramic teachings and contemporary ideas.


morgan contemporary glass gallery features sculpture, small objects and jewelry by established and emerging artists working with glass. Hours are Tues. - Fri. 11 - 5 and Sat. 12 - 5, or by app't. Call 412-441-5200 for more information. Visit our website at www.morganglassgallery.com.

 

 

Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery is the first Pittsburgh art gallery dedicated to exhibiting contemporary studio glass, focusing on sculpture, goblets, and jewelry in glass and mixed media. Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery is the first Pittsburgh art gallery dedicated to exhibiting contemporary studio glass, focusing on sculpture, goblets, and jewelry in glass and mixed media.
All images and information copyright © 2007 - 2008 Morgan Glass Gallery

 

Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery is the first Pittsburgh art gallery dedicated to exhibiting contemporary studio glass, focusing on sculpture, goblets, and jewelry in glass and mixed media.