If you have an interest in art and love to learn, you don’t want to miss the Ceramics Symposium! Here are 5 reasons you should come to the Museum on Friday, February 27, and Saturday, February 28:
1. It’s Back!
After an incredibly successful inaugural event in 2013, the symposium is back and even better. Once again, we are partnering with the Alabama Clay Conference – celebrating its 30th anniversary – but this year, we are hosting an exhibition of work by the conference’s three presenting ceramic artists. Additionally, the symposium marks the opening of another new exhibition at the Museum, Between Fantasy and Reality: Frank Fleming. As the guest of honor at the symposium, Fleming has been a prolific, prevalent, and popular Alabama artist for many years. During the symposium, we will honor his contributions to the ceramics medium and to our city.
2. Irony, Humor, and Whimsy
This year’s theme, Clay @ Play, focuses on the lighter, more humorous side of the ceramics world. Even if you do not know much about ceramics, this theme will instantly make the art relatable, interesting to learn about, and fun to discuss. To read more about each of the lectures, click here.
3. Spotlight on the Speakers
The topic of the symposium is made only more fascinating by the excellent speakers who are joining us. On Friday night, BMA Director Gail Andrews will give an opening lecture in our auditorium on artist Frank Fleming. On Saturday, our keynote speakers Kathy Butterly, a ceramic artist, and Dr. Glen R. Brown, Professor of Ceramics and Art History at Kansas State University, offer valuable insights into the world of ceramics. Our other speakers are leaders in the ceramics field, and you will also hear from a few familiar faces – the BMA’s own curators Graham Boettcher and Don Wood. See the full schedule here.
4. What the BMA Does Best
The BMA is recognized as one of the most important ceramics institutions in the nation. With a major focus on ceramics in various areas, from our world-renowned Wedgwood collection to our newly acquired African ceramics collection to our highly regarded Asian ceramics collection, the BMA is the perfect host for such an important symposium. While you enjoy the symposium through the day, be sure to take time to visit our ceramics galleries throughout the Museum.
5. It’s FREE
See art, learn with us, and support the arts in Birmingham – all for free! From 6-9PM on Friday and 9AM-3:15PM on Saturday, we will offer many unique experiences and talks for you to enjoy. Drop by and learn more about a topic that interests you! The symposium is free and open to all.