Art Exhibits: River 2 River/Eastern Iowa Educators

Public Reception for the Fall Exhibitions: Saturday, October 5th, 5:00-7:00pm

Exhibitions on view August 5 - October 26, 2024​.

"River 2 River: National Juried Exhibition”  Main Floor Exhibition

In conjunction with the Iowa Clay Conference, Gilded Pear Gallery is hosting "River 2 River: National Juried Exhibition", a nationally recognized biennial exhibition that highlights the richness and diversity of ceramic art within the continental United States. Jurors Kate Schroeder and Jonathan Christensen Caballero, accomplished ceramic artists, selected 21 artists work from over 100 entries. In addition, the jurors will also select one best-of-show and two honorable mention awards to be announced at the public reception held for both exhibitions, October 5th from 5:00-7:00pm. Artworks on display range from the historically inspired, to figurative sculpture, to site specific installation.

www.gildedpeargallery.com/river-2-river

"Eastern Iowa Educators": 2^nd Floor Gallery

Inspired by the national call on the main floor, this exhibition invited three distinguished instructors in the surrounding area outside of Cedar Rapids. The invitation’s aim was to highlight the caliber of artist-educator and introduce, to some, their oeuvre. On display are artworks by Troy Aiken (Dubuque, Clarke University), Heidi McKay Casto (Iowa City, University of Iowa), and Jim Shrosbree (Fairfield, Maharishi International University). Each is nationally and internationally recognized, and have won numerous awards and other prominent accolades.

Vessels are the form focus: bottles, jars, containers, and bowls. While some of the objects selected are “utilitarian,” the lines are blurred between traditional intentions and contemporary aesthetics. The practical form, held by centuries of varied cultures, is merely a courier for each artists’ particular sensibilities and transcends their functionality without dismissing it.

www.gildedpeargallery.com/eastern-iowa-edu