by Katherine Conway
A teapot by Jon Ginnaty.
The 13th Annual Ceramics Invitational Exhibition and Student sale will be held at the McGroarty Arts Center Saturday, June 4 through Saturday, June 25.
This year’s exhibition theme is “Teapots.” Brian Peshek will be returning for a seventh turn at curating this very popular art exhibition at the McGroarty Arts Center. He will feature an impressive showing of selected works from some of the areas most talented ceramic artists, including Biliana Popova, Fred Olsen, Fred Yokel, John Hopkins, Karen Thayer, Karen Koblitz, Kevin Myers, Melody Cooper, Patrick Shia Crabb, Porntip Sangvanich, Stanton Hunter, Steve Davis, Vince Palacious, Vincent Suez, and many others. In addition, the traditional Student Sale will exhibit the works of up-and-coming ceramic artists from the McGroarty Arts Center.
Peshek has always had a passion for creating whimsical teapots which began from his very early days as a student at Valley College where he was known as the “Teapot Guy.” While working on his bachelors at CSUN he was invited by gallery owner, Melody Cooper, to feature his one-of-a-kind teapots in his first solo show. Later after receiving his MFA from Alfred University, in New York, he had his second solo exhibition entitled, “Teapots, teacups, and tea bowls.”
Peshek explains he loves building teapots because of the challenge of combining the teapot elements: body, spout, handle, etc., and they are a great vehicle for expression. Each of the selected pieces by this diverse group of artists in this 13th annual exhibition will embody depth complexity and artistic achievement.
Come and enjoy the show under the majestic oaks, and maybe even leave with a unique piece of art. View this exceptional exhibition in the historical building of John Steven and Ida McGroarty. All art sale proceeds benefit the McGroarty Arts Center.
Visit the Web site at www. McgroartyArtsCenter.org or call (818) 352-5285 for additional information about this and other events including sponsorship opportunities. McGroarty Arts Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization providing access to the arts through in-depth arts instruction. The Center is a venue for artists to present their work in the local Sunland-Tujunga community. We envision a healthy, local arts ecosystem that supports a breadth of accessible arts and cultural experiences for every individual and family in the Foothills community.
The McGroarty Arts Center is at 7570 McGroarty Terrace, in Tujunga. Daily viewing hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Center is closed on Sundays. Admission is free. The opening reception is Saturday, June 4 from 7 until 9 p.m. Enjoy music, refreshments and appetizers out on the terrace under the majestic oak trees. All the community is welcome to this free event to meet the artists and curator Brian Peshek.