| | Sharif Bey, Kiwi Bird #1, 2019. Earthenware and mixed media. 14 x 10 x 10 in. Courtesy of the artist and albertz benda, New York and Los Angeles. | Inspired by modernism, functional pottery, Oceanic Art and Art of the African diaspora, Sharif Bey’s works investigate the cultural and political significance of adornment and the symbolic and formal properties of archetypal motifs. Ancestral Vestiges includes vessel-inspired mixed media works, mask-like sculptures, and large-scale power necklaces. These and other works in the exhibition reflect his continued exploration of functional and ritual objects, and the materiality of clay, metal, wood, and glass.
Meet Sharif Bey at the following free public programs at the Belger Crane Yard Gallery (2011 Tracy Ave., KCMO): First Friday Opening Reception: Friday, February 3, from 6pm to 8pm. He will give brief remarks at 6:30pm. Artist Talk: Saturday, February 4, from 2pm to 3pm.
| | | | | Left to right: work by Nicole Woodard, Gina Pisto, Cindy Lueng, Sun Young Park, Meredith Smith, and Adams Puryear | Building on the success of Sip Shop, this year we bring you Small Shop (or Sip Shop with a small twist). In addition to the sale of cups, mugs and drinking vessels, Belger resident artists have created small sculptures. You’re invited to a reception from 6 to 8pm on February 3 where you can enjoy craft cocktails, meet the resident artists, and make small shop purchases. This endeavor is in its ninth year, with proceeds supporting resident artists’ professional pursuits. If you’re a Belger Arts member, you can preview and purchase work online from February 2 (12pm) to February 3 (12pm), before the public opening. Small Shop is perfect for new and returning collectors, and for Valentine’s Day gift-giving.
Participating artists include: Cindy Lueng, Sun Young Park, Gina Pisto, Adams Puryear, Meredith Smith, and Nicole Woodard. | | | | Rachel Warren is Belger’s February Mug of the Month artist. She studied Illustration and Animation at the University of Kansas, where she also took ceramics. Working out of her home studio, Warren makes functional ceramic works, exploring different decorative techniques. When she’s not in her studio, she’s an instructor and manager at EPIC Clay Studio in Kansas City, KS. Her mugs represent small moments in her life that she has observed and etched. Learn more about Rachel Warren on her artist page. Mugs by January Mug of the Month artist Gina Pisto are still available, but not for long. Purchase one of her mugs today! Purchase a Mug of the Month even if you don't have a subscription! This means you can buy a mug by an artist you love when they become available. However, having a monthly subscription reserves your spot to receive a new mug every month before they’re made available to the public. | | | Valentine’s Day Gift Guide | | Visit our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide page for a selection of gifts that are perfect for your Valentine. Choose from unique functional, sculptural, and wearable gifts, including a selection priced at $50 and under. Don’t forget about gift certificates that can be used to purchase artwork or classes (including Date Night pottery classes). You can also purchase Crane Yard Clay gift cards for ceramic supplies and equipment. Shop in person or online at BelgerArts.org. | | | | | Our current Digital Debut artist is award-winning silversmith, Genevieve Flynn. Having worked in precious metals for 44 years, she’s created hollowware and art jewelry family heirlooms. Flynn has been invited to create numerous private commissions, including an intricately chased and engraved hand mirror presented to music industry personality Paula Abdul and a commemorative 1985 World Series pin for the late Ewing Kauffman. Genevieve Flynn’s work reflects the fluid lines and sensuous feel of the Art Nouveau era along with the beauty of nature. She uses ancient metal techniques such as chasing, repoussé, engraving, granulation, saw piercing, among others to add detail, interest, and beauty. She receives gratification from working in noble metals that someday will be owned, displayed, utilized, or worn by clients in their everyday life. Her work is available online and at the Belger Crane Yard Gallery through February 28. | | | For more information about exhibitions, classes, and programs, please visit our website. |
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