September 18, 2009

September 18th thru October
Gallery reception: Sept 18 6-8

This fall we are pleased to present the work of some of our favorite gallery artists along with the new work by up and coming local talent. In September we will open the season with a group show of works by David Hicks, Chris Gustin, Lars Westby, Jason Green, Gary Erickson, James Lawton, Neil Forrest, Diana Williams and Bret Price. Each of these artists has invented a personal language in clay that they use to build their unique sculptures and installations. Green's architectural ceramics are constructed with colorful glazed terra cotta blocks. Westby and Williams sculpt objects with geometric precision while Hicks, Forrest and Erickson's forms are organic. We have an exquisite example of an oversized wood fired vase by renowned potter Chris Gustin, an elegant large double vessel by James Lawton and large stoneware woven platters by Bret Price.. This group show represents our commitment to functional and sculptural work in clay of the highest quality. We are pleased to have placed two large David Hicks wall hanging pieces in an important permanent public collection and another significant Hicks sculpture in a private collector's home on Capitol Hill. The Korean Ceramics Biennial featured a Hicks installation this spring - his second time - very impressive for our young prolific California artist. Several of his smaller works will be on view at the gallery.

Three extraordinary art and wine connoisseurs, James Conaway, Sal Fiorito and Tim Cone will lead a wine tasting event in the gallery October 22nd. We will enjoy their selections for the best wines, hear their stories of Napa, and Burgundy and get their recommendations of their favorite labels. Details to follow.

Cross Mackenzie will take part in this year's FOTOWEEK in November with a show of digital images of - and on - porcelain by Walter McConnell. Since working in China a few years ago, Walter has been pursuing this idea and experimenting with photographic print techniques on clay with stunning results. Walter has had a very busy two years since his last show at Cross MacKenzie. One of his oversized unfired clay installations was included in Mass MOCA's exhibition, "Eastern Standard - Western Artists in China". Following that he had a huge solo show at the Daum Museum and he was awarded a prestigious Tiffany Grant. We are very proud to represent such an original and distinguished artist.

Digital images available upon request.