Ferrin Gallery at SOFA Chicago

Emerging and Established Artists in Ceramics and Mixed Media

November 4, 2004 - November 7, 2004

Ferrin Gallery specializes in the work of ceramic artists and studio potters. At SOFA Chicago this year, the gallery will present the work of 20 artists. Over the years, the gallery has gained a reputation for discovering and introducing accomplished young artists. At SOFA Chicago two artists, Jinsoo Song and Suzanne Trujillo debut alongside others who were first shown in recent years, Laura DeAngelis, Karen Portaleo and Jason Walker. These artists join a strong stable of established artists who will present important new works Russell Biles, Sergei Isupov and Red Weldon Sandlin.

In 2004, Studio Pottery is a gallery focus with a panel discussion planned to bring attention to this important area of contemporary ceramics. Featured artists include Karen Karnes, master artist and mentor to a generation of potters, Mary Barringer, the new editor of Studio Potter, Mark Shapiro who will be demonstrating at Lill Street and a selection of work by artists featured in 2004 gallery shows Mark Hewitt, Michael Kline and Peter Scherzer.

In 2004, the gallery expanded into a new location in Lenox, Massachusetts and began showing works in mixed media as well as two dimensional works on canvas, wood and paper. Selections from 2004 gallery shows will be on view at SOFA including mixded media constructions by Marc Petrovic, a masterpiece carved easel and painting by Randall Deihl and a recent series by Micah Sherrill, focusing on portraits of artists affiliated with Ferrin Gallery.

Lectures at SOFA to note:

Friday at 11:00 -12:30 Room #305
Philosophical Legacies in Contemporary American Studio Pottery
The generation of artists that chose to become studio potters in the 60's and 70's did so for artistic, social and philosophical reasons. This panel examines the ongoing impact of these decisions on the artwork and careers of current and future generations of studio potters. Mark Pharis, artist and professor, University of Minnesota, MN; Mark Shapiro, studio potter; Mary Barringer, artist and editor of Studio Potter Journal; Rebecca Sive, collector, Steering Committee member, Cultural Collections Committee, The Field Museum; Principal, The Sive Group, Inc.

Saturday at 10:00 -11:00 Room #301

Time & Space: Artists Working at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts
Chris Gustin, a Watershed board member, explains the concept behind this internationally recognized ceramics residency, and surveys its 20 year history; Executive Director Lynn Thompson speaks to Watershed's distinctive place among arts organizations. Presented by Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts

Saturday at 4:00 - 5:00 Room #309

A Ceramic Legacy: the Stéphane Janssen & R. Michael Johns Collection at ASU
Arizona State University Art Museum's Ceramics Research Center was the recent recipient of a $4M ceramic collection of 686 works by prominent ceramic artists. Peter Held, curator of ceramics at ASU Art Museum, discusses the gift.

Booksigning: Friday 3:00, Ferrin Gallery Booth #1121

500 Figues In Clay: Ceramic Artists Celebrate the Human Form

Booksigning with Featured Artists

Artist Demonstration:

Mark Shapiro Demonstration and Slide Show at LillStreet Art Center
Sunday, November 8, 10 - 1
To Register Call 773.769.4226