The Tree of Ceramics

Open from March 2 to May 1, 2022, the Tree of Ceramics exhibition at the John Natsoulas Gallery is an invitation to celebrate the history of ceramics and the incredible sculptors of today. The show emphasizes the tremendous impact of formal education, and how colleges and universities played a key role in connecting these talented artists. The valuable approach that many ceramic instructors use, to work alongside students and exchange ideas and inspirations, is a hallmark of the ceramics movement.

This show features wide-ranging works in clay that vary in size from small cups to towering installations. The incredible diversity of the techniques is on full display, complimenting the multiplicity of styles and subjects. Styles including Modernism, Pop, Trompe L’oeil, Folk, Funk, Surrealism, Assemblage, Abstract Expressionism, and Figural are represented by this impressive collection of sculptures. The artists rely on their cultural, experiential, and educational backgrounds to inspire their subject matter.

The John Natsoualas Gallery has hosted an annual exhibition on ceramics for over three decades. This tradition began as a collaboration between John Natsoulas and the late sculptor Robert Arneson in 1986. Since then, the gallery has featured outstanding ceramic artists and furthers the traditions of ceramic art every year. Come experience the exciting world of ceramics with three floors dedicated to this medium.

In conjunction with the exhibition, the 35th annual California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Art (CCACA) will take place on April 29 and April 30, 2022. This world-class conference will feature demonstrations, lectures, and pop-up shows throughout our hometown of Davis. The pop-ups are a rare opportunity to see dozens of student showcases from schools from across the region. They are free to visit and will feature  the works of students from UC Berkeley, San Francisco State, Humboldt State, Chico State, Academy of Art College, and many more. They will be open from 10am to 9pm on Friday, April 29 and from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, April 30.

The demonstrations and lectures by Chris Riccardo, Anne Drew Potter, Kevin Snipes, Jason Walker, Adrian Arleo, and Carol Gouthro will take place throughout the weekend. These events are unique opportunities to connect and engage with these prominent artists and educators.

This annual event is continuing to create a sense of normalcy in downtown Davis after the different and difficult waves of COVID. After two years, CCACA will once again take place during the spring. This two-day celebration of ceramics gives the town new life, filling hotels, restaurants, and retailers across the city. CCACA also celebrates our local culture and continues to build connections to the community.