Photos and reporting by Robert Kokenyesi, Ceramic Artist, Beachfront Pottery, Godfrey, IL, 62035, USA. If you enjoyed this post, then like the post, and also like my Facebook page. Check out Beachfront Pottery posts on Instagram @beachfrontpottery. There is additional information about Beachfront Pottery on my web site.
The Venue
The Varsity Art XXV exhibit took place from March 5 through April 1, 2021 in the gallery of Art Saint Louis in St Louis, MO.
The street entrance of Art Saint Louis.
The view of the gallery space to the left of the entrance.
The view straight ahead of the entrance. In the distance you see two ceramic pieces on the pedestals.
The Call for Entry
There was no public call for entry; colleges and universities with art departments were most likely notified about the exhibit opportunity.
The Ceramic Art Pieces
Twenty-fifth annual invitational group exhibition curated by art faculties from 22 St. Louis regional colleges and universities in Missouri and Illinois. For this annual invitational exhibit, Professors are invited to select two outstanding art students to represent their institution in this multi-media group exhibition. This year’s exhibit features recent works by 44 undergrad and grad level art students.
This was a fun collection of small ceramic vessels all glazed to a different hue of green.,
Her statement reads: “In Citiscapes I pulled inspiration from pottery styles around the world. Combining a variety of cultures I create my own style; my use of glazes to accentuate forms and create eye-catching textures is part of this style. This piece reflects the inspiration of architectural forms from many cultures, representing the beauty of unity.” She is a student at Southeast Missouri State University. For more of her work visit her web site.
Very visible messaging. She is a student at St Louis Community College – Forest Park. I couldn’t find an independent online presence for her.
The incorporation of a chunk of concrete and ropes gives this sculpture aver unique look. His statement reads: “With this sculpture I seek to understand what a decontextualized architectural can come to represent through the application of technical and industrial production techniques. This work demonstrates how the functional can be derived from the ornamental, and how the application of technology can question the role of a “master” craftsperson or designer. To do this I have focused my attention to the Ennis House designed by the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.” He is a student at University of Missouri School of Visual Studies. For more of Sean’s work visit his web site.
A truly fearsome looking, almost sci-fi like creature. Her statement reads: “For as long as I can remember I have been able to connect and create with many different mediums. I have a passion for the conservation and preservation of all things nature and wild, and it has always been important for me to manifest and share my vision through my artwork. This piece is made from clay, decorated with multiple underglazes and glazes. The piece is a 3 tier view of carnivorous plants. I also included some different wildlife in the piece like the frog and snake. By being able to share my views not with words but through organic art, makes me feel a little more connected to the real world and real problems. Art has this weird and awesome ability to give the artist a way to put their insides on the table for everyone to see in a way, it creates a space to define who you are in your own way. She is a student at St Louis Community College – Meramec. I couldn’t find an independent online presence for her.
Great shape, and wonderful crackled green glaze. Her statement reads: “Throwing clay on a wheel, cutting into the form, and taking nature walks all share a meditative atmosphere towards finding inner balance. Fort his piece withering leaves, dried strands of grass, and old bark served as my inspiration. I choose items at the end of their use, dyeing and ugly to bring about the beauty and texture of this surface. The unglazed areas serve as both color and textural contrast to balance the piece. She is a student at Southwestern Illinois College. I couldn’t find a dedicated online presence for her.