March 4 – April 2, 2026 @ Slocumb Galleries
East Tennessee State University Department of Art & Design and Slocumb Galleries present 'Wedged: Formed Earth'curatedbyMatthew Wheelerfrom March 4to April 2, at the Tipton-Ashe Gallery.The exhibitionexploresthetransformativevastness ofclay,throughwhich newobjects emerge. The openingreception and gallery talks ison March 6, withguest ofhonor, ETSU Provost Dr.Kimberly McCorkle,from6-8 p.m.;a concurrent solo exhibit entitled 'Trillium' by Matthew Wheeler is presented at the Vault Gallery.
"The Wedged: Formed Earth" exhibitioncenters on innovative ceramic art practices by regional artists through the lens of wedging, a foundational yet often unseen process in ceramics that transforms raw clay from earth into a material ready for form and meaning. This preparatory act bridges clay’s natural origins with its creative potential, serving as the starting point for artistic exploration. The exhibition examines how ceramic artists engage with this shared material through a wide range of processes, revealing the adaptability and expressive capacity of clay.
The works presented highlight the vast possibilities of ceramics, from utilitarian objects to expressive and experimental forms. Using techniques such as wheel throwing, hand-building, moldingand varied firing methods, the artists demonstrate how individual approaches shape both form and concept. Together, these works situate contemporary ceramic practice within a long continuum—honoring tradition while expanding the future of clay as a boundless creative medium.
We invite all to view "Wedged: Formed Earth,"as it resonates inspiration, awe, beauty and intrigue from and to those who have eye, heart or curiosity for the material of clay and its multiplicity of forms and possibilities. Featured artistsincludeSally Brogden, Blair Clemo,AndréaKeys Connell, Will Dickert, Lalana Fedorschak, Brian Harper, Jeanine Marchand, Lindsay Oesritter, Lindsay Rogers and Lydia Thompson.
All events at Tipton-Ashe Gallery are open to the publicfree of charge with gallery hours onWednesday and Saturdayfrom 11 a.m. to 3p.m., andThursday andFriday from5-7p.m, with extended hours during receptions and by appointment. Located at401 Ashe St., former Courthouse in downtown Johnson City, Tipton-Ashe Gallery and its exhibitions are supported by the Tennessee arts Commission, ETSU MBMSOTA & SAAC and Bravissima! Women Sponsoring the Arts.
For more info or to schedule a visit, emailcontrera@etsu.edu.
Category: Exhibits