The works of 33 participants in the Greenbelt Recreation Department’s Ceramics Program will be shown at the Studio Gallery in Washington, D.C., through January 24. The juried outreach exhibit, “In the Spirit of Community: Ceramics in Greenbelt, MD” includes 43 pieces ‒ wheel-made, hand-built, tile, mosaic, functional and sculptural ‒ and calls attention to the city’s founding ethos of a commitment to community.
Greenbelter and current artist in residence, sculptor Christopher Corson, who also sits on the Studio Gallery Board, pitched the idea for the show in late 2024. The gallery, which is the longest running artist-owned gallery in Washington, D.C., reaches out each January to groups who do not normally show in venues like theirs. Corson told the gallery about the incredible community ceramics program in Greenbelt and asked if they’d consider an exhibit of some of the great pieces created by Greenbelt residents, for whom ceramics is a passion but not a profession. Says Corson, “I am so happy that the world will see how remarkable the Greenbelt community program is.”
It is significant that this is a juried event, said Julie Boynton, one of the participants, who submitted several pieces for consideration in the show of which one was selected. She is excited to be part of the exclusive show and to receive feedback on her work from someone who is not a family member or friend. Another Greenbelt ceramicist, Lola Skolnik agreed. “It’s an honor to be included,” said Skolnik. Corson helped guide the Greenbelt ceramicists who wished to apply to the show, helping them submit professional photos of their pieces. Juror and Curator Mary Welch Higgins did a great job, says Boynton. Higgins will give a Juror/Curator talk during the opening reception this weekend.
The Greenbelt exhibit will run until January 24 and ceramicists will have the opportunity to share their work with the public. Though some of the pieces will be for sale, “this is not necessarily about selling for many of the artists, it is about being selected and included in a real gallery show,” Boynton told the News Review. The experience of walking through the gallery and being alongside so many great pieces is really meaningful for her.
The show’s Opening Reception is on Saturday, January 10, from 4 to 6 p.m. The Juror/Curator’s talk by Higgins will be at 4:30 p.m. All are welcome to visit the Studio Gallery at 2108 R St. NW, Washington, D.C., which is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. One can see all the pieces included in the Greenbelt show on the gallery’s website at studiogallerydc.com/in-the-spirit-of-community-ceramics-in-greenbelt-md-catalogue.
Lola Skolnik and Julie Boynton assisted with the preparation of this article.
