Contemporary Craft
Through March 11
Various times
A first-of-its-kind retrospective showcasing the work of renowned ceramic artist Edward Eberle opens this weekend at Contemporary Craft.
Spanning three decades, the retrospective includes a diverse selection of work by the acclaimed Pittsburgh-based ceramic artist—ranging from classically inspired vessels to deconstructed and altered sculptures.
Visitors to Contemporary Craft will be among the first to see 45 of Eberle’s objects that reflect the “exquisite, timeless and mystical” work of an authentic master.
In addition to Eberle’s signature porcelain work, the exhibit features paper-thin, wheel-thrown vessels with both closed and open forms, a unique series of works on paper, fragmented, dreamlike images, and conceptual pieces from the early 2000s.
The striking show, which is on view through March 11, 2017, culminates with a display of the artist’s most recent mixed media sculptures and large paper cylinders.
Attendees will get to see up close Eberle’s innovative techniques, such as his use of black and white terra sigillata (see photo) to embellish surfaces, and his contrasting images, patterns and textures painted with elaborately intertwined human, animal and celestial forms.
A seminal figure in the contemporary ceramics field, Eberle was born in Tarentum in 1944. After studying under master artists at Alfred University’s New York State College of Ceramics, he went on to teach at Philadelphia College of Art and Carnegie Mellon University. In 1985, Eberle established a studio in Millvale, where he worked as in ceramics and drawing for 26 years. Now based in Homestead, Eberle has exhibited around the U.S. and his work is represented in numerous museum collections.
The retrospective will be augmented by several additional programs, including clay-based mentoring workshops for youth, a companion catalogue, and the Present at Creation exhibition at the BNY Mellon Center Satellite Gallery, which will feature work by four artists who have been mentored and influenced by Eberle.
The public is invited to celebrate the exhibition, enjoy refreshments, and explore Eberle’s fascinating body of working during a free opening reception on Friday, September 9 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
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