AVA welcomes Portland ceramists Joe Robinson, Eli Pilkington, and Calvin Bartlett for “Fire Brands,” an exhibit curated by Barry Calvarese of Nehalem.

Each artist’s stoneware was fired in the 40-foot East Creek anagama kiln located in Willamina, Oregon. Built in 1983 and founded by Nils Lou, it is the oldest anagama kiln of its kind west of the Mississippi with the mission of bringing ceramic wood-fire education to the west coast. East Creek is also a community hub, home to a 5,000 square foot studio for ceramics, wood, metal, and glass artists, where artists teach workshops, complete residencies, and share in collaborative education and community building.

Each piece created in the East Creek anagama kiln, Japanese for “cave kiln,” embodies the unique natural elements found within that region, utilizing flame and wood ash to deliver unpredictable and alluring results. In a marathon firing that lasts 24-hours a day for a week straight, each time the wood-fire kiln is loaded, it takes a community to fire it.

The results of this ancient, collaborative craft continue to captivate humans as they have for millennia.

Joe Robinson

Opening during Artwalk on December 9, Astoria Visual Arts is hosting a cash and carry event, the Ceramics Nook Fundraiser.

Raidyour cupboard and shelves and consider donating utilitarian, handmade ceramic wares (cups, mugs, bowls, planters, etc.) to AVA before December 8. Then come back and do your holiday shopping at AVA from December 9 - 24 and find a treasure for yourself or a loved one! Every dollar raised supports AVA’s nonprofit gallery and youth arts education program.

AND:

CERAMICS NOOK FUNDRAISER

Eli Pilkington