Delta College’s L.H. Horton Jr. Gallery isn’t letting the COVID-19 pandemic get in the way of its mission.
The Gallery has pushed forward to launch its 11th annual Visions in Clay Exhibition and Awards Competition, the largest exhibition of ceramic works in the San Joaquin Valley.
This year’s virtual exhibition is posted at gallery.deltacollege.edu. The show is just one example of how Delta continues to offer quality academic and community experiences even in a time of separation.
In the case of Visions in Clay, a bright spot on the exhibition being held online is the opportunity for an audience from around the country to meet the artists virtually and learn more about their work.
“While we clearly wish we could have the exhibit in person, we want to make the best of this situation by taking advantage of technology to bring the public a unique chance to hear directly from the artists,” said Gallery Coordinator Jan Marlese.
The online Gallery featured a virtual reception featuring the artists and the presentation of awards on Sept 3. Other events will be presented through a Zoom video conferencing link that may be found on the Gallery website under Online Exhibitions & Virtual Events on the scheduled dates.
Two artists will present a talk about their work in ceramics: Visions In Clay exhibition juror and ceramics professor at California College of the Arts, Nancy Selvin, will speak from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17; and exhibiting artist Marianne McGrath, ceramics professor at CSU Channel Island, will present from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25.
Visions In Clay has been featured several times in the national magazine, Ceramics Monthly. It is an exceptional show of technical ability with diversity in style, process and content.
This year’s exhibit features 56 works by 40 artists from around the country, including many Bay Area artists and local artist Tricia Hand from Tracy. The artwork and awards were selected by this year’s juror, Nancy Selvin. Selection was based on quality of work, unique content and form, as well as technical skill.
Visions In Clay Awards this year included: Brian Caponi - Best of Show $300; Gratia Brown - 2nd Place $200; Karyn Gabriel - 3rd Place $100; Elizabeth James - San Joaquin Potters Guild Founders Award $300.
Founded by the San Joaquin Potters Guild in 2002 and run by that organization through 2007, Visions In Clay was turned over to the Horton Gallery in 2010 to continue the ceramics-based exhibition.
