home map contact artwalk

PRESS PAGE

Wow, talk about saving the best for last. As the year ends, the American Museum of Ceramic Art, or AMOCA, in Pomona is hosting some dynamic December events.

Saturday is the artists' reception for the museum's current gallery show, "On The River Through the Valley of Fire: The Collaborative Ceramics of Frank Boyden and Tom Coleman."

Boyden and Coleman are both respected ceramicists whose individual work is on display - Coleman's on the south wall and Boyden's on the north. Their magnificent collaboration adorns the center of the space.

AMOCA is one of the few museums in the United States devoted exclusively to ceramic art and historic innovations in ceramic technology.

"With the current emphasis on ecology, this exhibit is very appropriate," said Christy Johnson, museum director. "Both artists show their concern for and appreciation of their native habitats - Boyden with the wildlife in the Pacific Northwest and Coleman with the shapes and colors of the desert.

"The works that they create together celebrate not only nature, but also what man is capable of creating with his own hands, without the use of modern technology or machinery. As a potter, I'm in awe."

There's a 51-minute documentary of this ceramic duo talking, explaining and demonstrating their collaborative process.

Artist reception attendees also will have the opportunity to participate in a Chili Bowl Fundraiser. Local ceramicists have donated more than 100 original sculpted bowls in all shapes and sizes. The variety includes pieces that are hand-built and wheel-thrown. They are of stoneware and porcelain. Twelve dollars will buy a bowl filled with chili.

On Sunday, Boyden and Coleman will host a workshop that includes a continental breakfast, a new Coleman/Boyden DVD screening, live demonstrations and a panel discussion.

Last month, AMOCA, which celebrated its four-year anniversary in September, was awarded a $141,000 grant by the Getty Foundation.

Other local organizations receiving grants from the Getty include Scripps College's Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery and the Pomona College Museum of Art.

"This is a great honor for us," AMOCA's Johnson said. "Being recognized among all these other more established museums gives us a great sense of pride."

AMERICAN MUSEUM OF CERAMIC ART EVENTS

"ON THE RIVER THROUGH THE VALLEY OF FIRE; THE COLLABORATIVE CERAMICS OF FRANK BOYDEN AND TOM COLEMAN"
WHEN: Artists' reception 6-9 p.m. Saturday
ADMISSION: Suggested donation $3 adults, seniors and students $2; members and children 12 and younger admitted free.

CHILI BOWL FUNDRAISER
WHEN: noon to 8 p.m. Saturday
COST: $12

WORKSHOP WITH FRANK BOYDEN AND TOM COLEMAN
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: 340 S. Garey Ave., Pomona
COST: $65, with a 10 percent discount for AMOCA members.
INFORMATION: (909) 865-3146, www.ceramicmuseum.org