The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts hosts the 15th Annual Bascom Clay Symposium, “Forms of Inspiration,” Sept. 26–27. This celebrated event gathers prominent ceramic artists Kirsten Stingle, Natasha Dikareva, and Thaddeus Erdahl to explore narrative and figurative ceramic sculpture.
The symposium begins Friday, Sept. 26, at 4 p.m. with a keynote address by Bethany Chaney, Executive Director of the John C. Campbell Folk School, discussing craft traditions and their vital role in fostering community and creativity. The keynote will be followed by a public reception, providing attendees with the opportunity to meet the artists and engage with fellow art enthusiasts.
On Saturday, Septe. 27, attendees can enjoy live artist demonstrations from 10 a.m.– noon and 1:30–4 p.m., showcasing the innovative techniques and creative insights of Stingle, Dikareva, and Erdahl. Each artist uniquely explores themes of mythology, memory, and social commentary, transforming clay into poetic and evocative works.
In conjunction with the symposium, the Joel Gallery at The Bascom features the exhibition “Forms of Inspiration: Ceramic Artists of the Bascom Clay Symposium,” running through Nov. 29. This exhibition includes selected works by each symposium artist, available for purchase.
Due to the generosity of Bascom Supporters, the symposium is free and open to all, welcoming both those who wish to drop in and those who want to engage in the full event experience.
For additional details and the complete event schedule, please visit thebascom.org.
- Bianca Mitchell
The Bascom