The Gallery at Lakeland opened its “Fire and Smoke: Raku, Wood, Saggar, Pit Fired and Alternative Fired Clay” exhibit, curated by Mary Urbas, Thursday, Sept. 22. The show runs through Nov. 4 in the Gallery at Lakeland located on the first floor of the D-Building on Lakeland Community College’s campus, at 7700 Clocktower Dr., Kirtland, Ohio, 44094. Admission to the show is free and open to the public.

Featuring works from 46 artists, the Fire and Smoke show includes pieces that incorporate the various techniques of Raku glazing, pit and barrel firing and other alternative firings.

Raku is an ancient Japanese pottery firing technique. Raku became popular with American artists in the 1950s, prompting artists to experiment with many variations of the original procedure. The Raku technique today is generally known as a rapid firing and cooling of ceramics.

“The Raku and Wood Fired experience is serendipitous.” explains Mary Urbas, gallery coordinator and exhibit curator. “Ceramic artists often find the unexpected marks made when clay, heat, and smoke interact to be among the most intriguing and challenging of finishes to perfect and reproduce. No two pieces are ever alike.”

The pieces on display come from local and regional artists as well as artists from Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana and Texas. Instructors from The Cleveland Institute of Art, Baldwin Wallace University, Kent State University and other art centers in the region are also participating.

“There is a large network of clay artists across the country,” Urbas continues. “Their work is very impressive, and the Gallery at Lakeland is excited to have so many of these artists participating.”

By: Kerry Ann Jonke, Asst Director Market & Communi