UN-WEDGED 2014, features 21 exceptional contemporary ceramic works of art from across the country

SEATTLE - Oct. 31, 2014 - PRLog -- Pottery Northwest is pleased to announce UN-WEDGED 2014, a juried exhibition of exceptional contemporary work by 20 artists from across the country. Applicants submitted functional and sculptural ceramic work as well as mixed-media pieces. The show opens November 8 and continues through November 29, 2014, in the gallery of Pottery Northwest's historic home at 226 First Avenue North (between Thomas and John), just one block south of the Key Arena at the Seattle Center. The community is invited to the opening reception on Saturday, November 8, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The 2014 UN-WEDGED juror is Sam Chung, assistant professor at Arizona State University's Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts in Tempe, Arizona. Chung received his M.F.A. from Arizona State University (1997) and his B.A. degree from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota (1992).

Chung sifted through a large pool of submissions to produce a group of work that brings together idea and execution. He also put his personal stamp on the interpretation of "exceptional" by selecting the recipient of the Juror's Award - a $1,000 prize that goes to Stuart Asprey, an assistant professor of ceramics at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma, for his humorous "Hangover Helper" Lidded Jar.

It was not easy to select the best out of such a wide variety of ceramics work, but, in the end, I selected Stuart Asprey's work for his outstanding illustrative skill and how effectively he strikes some nostalgic chords with his own sense of humor. I loved the way he brought together such a broad range of imagery and text to discuss a theme that is familiar to most of us. - Sam Chung

A Director's Award of $500, selected by Wally Bivins, Pottery Northwest's executive director, goes to Pottery Northwest artist in residence alumnus Noah Riedel for his innovative Coffee Pot.

I want to see that great idea, that concept, manifested in an object. In most instances, that requires a high level of craftsmanship as well as an agile imagination. The work might be profound, it might be playful, it might be open to interpretation. Clay is a wonderful vehicle for that kind of wide open invitation to artists and viewers alike. - Wally Bivins

The following artists will be exhibiting:

Stuart Asprey, OK

Kenneth Baskin, LA

Jeff Forster, TX

Sarah Gross, KY

Kristina Hamm, GA

Andrew Hoeppner, WA

Akiko Jackson, MA

Ashley Kim, CA

John Lennertz, CA

James Lobb, WA

Carrie Longley, OH

Daniel Molyneux, MA

Aysha Peltz, VT

Jordan Pieper, OR

Tara Polansky, OH

Noah Riedel, WA

George Rodriguez, WA

JoAnn Schnabel, IA

Kwok-Pong Tso, MO

Paula West, WA

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment. Call 206-285-4421.