Functional Ceramics Elevate the Art of Fine Dining
A new exhibit shines a light on the beauty and purpose of ceramic dining pieces.
Photos by John Hamilton
Beginning April 7, 2023, the Art Students League of Denver (ASLD) will present its biennial functional ceramics exhibit entitled, delectable: The Fine Art of Dining. Since 2012, the delecTABLE exhibit has become one of Colorado’s most competitive ceramics shows, featuring artists from across the United States. The exhibition celebrates ceramics as useful objects, specifically at the dining table.
The 2023 delecTABLE exhibition will include 90 pieces by more than 70 ceramicists. This year’s exhibit was juried by Tennessee ceramic artist, Andrew Clark. Clark, the gallery manager at Companion Gallery, also teaches at the gallery’s adjacent studio in Humboldt, TN. His highly interactive, playful style features pottery influenced by machinery and engineering. He writes, “Art is meant to elevate simple moments like making coffee or eating dinner.” The delecTABLE exhibition is perfect for this kind of work, he notes.
John Hamilton, ceramics program and studio manager at the Art Students League of Denver says, “the exhibition helps show ceramics in an entirely new light.” Visitors should “prepare to be wowed;” to learn that clay is more than just what one would expect from a standard potters’ wheel. “The exhibition,” he explains, “shows that clay is more than just bowls. There is an enhanced understanding of what ceramics can be.”
The exhibition kicks off with a ticketed opening event on April 7. The show will remain on view until through May 21st. Clark will visit ASLD for an artist talk on April 27. An Artists’ Reception with participating artists will be held April 28, and workshops are available April 29-30. Details for all events can be found on the ASLD website.
Photo by Andrew Clark
ASLD is a nonprofit 501c3 organization supported by the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District, a variety of foundations, individual donors, and corporate sponsors. ASLD provides space for an inclusive arts community where professionals mentor artists of all abilities to reach their highest potential. The organization has offered art instruction and exhibition opportunities to creative community artists from Denver and beyond for over 35 years. Located in the West Washington Park neighborhood, ASLD offers programs at the historic Sherman School and with community partners from across the metro area. ASLD is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse, inclusive community where artists can thrive.
