The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center has announced its new gallery exhibit: ”Clay Bodies” in the gallery from August 7 through September 7. This show features the art of six spectacular ceramic artists whose materials and styles range from sculptural to practical.

The six artists in this show are Sandra Shaughnessy, Blayze Buseth, Terry Shaw, John Shaw, Sean Scott and Kate Scherfenberg. Each of these artists brings to the gallery their own style and interpretation of the art of clay.

“I describe my clay work as ‘ceremoniously functional,’ meaning there is an element of ritual involved while using my handmade pottery. Many of my pieces have an altered quality that expresses the softness of the clay and the atmospheric soda firing process,” said Sandra Daulton Shaughnessy.

Blayze Buseth is a self-taught artist and founder of Creation Shop, a pottery and sculpture workshop started in downtown Fergus Falls in 2021. Creation Shop allows Buseth a public setting to create, teach, and share creative experiences. Projects fulfilled at Creation Shop include public and private commissions such as fine jewelry cameos, dinner sets, custom tiles, urn memorials, clay sculptures, and concrete monuments.  

Terry Shaw and her husband John Shaw are both working artists living near Battle Lake. John creates unique ceramic sculptural pieces that combine beautifully thrown shapes with free-form clay that are intriguing and captivating. Terry trained as a metalsmith, has worked as an independent jewelry artist and teacher, and creates delightful, functional, and sculptural ceramic pieces.

Sean Scott and Kate Scherfenberg are the owners of Pomme de Terre Pottery near Battle Lake.  They describe their work as “Considerately crafted fine art pottery, beautiful and useful, reflecting the hand and the land.” Their beautiful and sometimes whimsical ceramic pieces will add beauty to a table and home.

“Clay Bodies” is a term used by potters and in the ceramic industry. It refers to the earthenware, stoneware, or porcelain that forms the piece. The ceramic pieces you will see in this show are beautifully made using a wide variety of styles and clay bodies. This is a great show to purchase a unique, locally-made, one-of-a-kind piece of art for your home. 

A reception was held on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. 

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center Gallery is free to see and open to the public. Summer Gallery Hours are Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Private viewings can be arranged anytime by calling Cheryl Bannes at 385-3339 or emailing cheryl@kulcher.org.

Visit www.kulcher.org or call the Cultural Center at 385-3339 with any questions.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.