NCECA Exhibition: Pitch, Tone, Modulation

March 2019 - April 2019

This is an exciting show that bridges the gap between glass and ceramics. Foci MCGA is honored to cooperate with Northern Clay and NCECA (National Council on Education in the Ceramic Arts) to host this exhibition of two extremely talented ceramic artists, Leanne McClurg Cambric and Marc Digeros.

Marc Digeros and I met as undergraduate students in the early 90's. While we have crossed paths once more as residents of the Archie Bray in 2000, we have not had much interaction as professional potters beyond our early beginnings. Yet, we make remarkably similar decisions about where we hold value in terms of a marriage of function, form, and surface. We credit those similarities to our Minnesota accent. As academic potters, we were formed in the old basement of the art department at the University of Minnesota. We were apt pupils and part of a community and legacy that honored making extraordinary everyday objects. In spite of our present distance, the foundation of our design aesthetics, pottery ethics, and diligent studio practice are founded in the concept of being a “Minnesota potter”. Years and miles go by and yet our Mingei-sota accent clings to our decisions in how we see pots. Minneapolis also taught us a love of contemporary art and the importance of our role as artists. We take great pride that we do not make easy work. Our handbuilt pots are challenging, contemporary, and yet rooted in tradition. Through this exhibition we host a visual poem to celebrate our Minnesota accent. Our time in the Twin Cities may be distant but the influence is clear in our duet.

-Exhibiting artist Leanne McClurg shares about the background of this collaborative show

Tori Hansen