It's a Mud Ball Mystery

Are you willing to take a chance?

Just $25 solves the mystery!

Our mystery boxes contain beautiful vessels by artists across The Clay Studio community. As always, we promise it is a vessel - usually a cup - that will hold liquid, and that it is high quality. You are, however, taking a chance on what is in the small brown box.

Your purchase of a mystery cup box helps support Community Engagement Programs - your $25 purchase helps us keep these programs in clay!

Mystery Cups will be available for pick-up after the event on September 23, 2023. If shipping is necessary, purchaser will pay for shipping separate from purchase.

• Shipping is NOT included.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Packages with Alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Shared Thoughts, 2025

Janina Myronova

stoneware, underglaze, hand formed and painted
7" W x 4 1/2" D x 13 1/4" H

This delightful sculpture features three heads stacked on top of one another, each with their own personality and sense of mischief. This piece highlights Janina's graphic line work and strategic use of color. The rich red clay body is the true star of the show, creating the skin tone for the three heads. Another figure is displayed on the back of the piece, a detail that encourages a 360 degree view and a fun sense of discovery. The tabletop size makes it a great fit in any home or collection.

Artist Statement

"My characters display a specific, distorted body perspective. The forms are a bit clunky, chubby, anatomically misshapen, marked with accents which double the characters or hybridize their silhouettes. Each sculpture is a different personality, a personal story, a graphic "novel" featuring my favorite motifs: images of family relationships, parent and child, partners, pets. My emotions are "scratched" into them, with a subtle hint towards humor. Wonder, anger, fear and joy are all present there. What also influences the emotional charge of the figures is the colour scheme of my sculptures, defining the characters and saturating their personal stories placed on the bodies and clothing. I emphasize their colouration by the black-and-white drawings in the background, constituting a backdrop to my stories."

Artist Biography:

Janina Myronova is a current Resident Artist at The Clay Studio. She earned her MFA from the Department of Ceramic Art at Lviv National Academy of Fine Arts (Lviv, Ukraine) in 2012, an MFA from the Department of Ceramics and Glass at The Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts and Design (Wroclaw, Poland) in 2013, and her PhD from the Department of Ceramics and Glass at Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts in 2019. Continually developing her work and practice, Myronova has attended numerous residencies including opportunities at the New Taipei Yingge Ceramics Museum (New Taipei, Taiwan), Clayarch Gimhae Museum (Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea), Lefebvre and Fils (Paris, France), the Polish Sculpture Centre (Oronsko, Poland), and the International Ceramic Research Center (Guldagergaard, Denmark), International Ceramic Studio (Kecskemet, Hungary), Northern Clay Center (Minneapolis, United States) and Archie Bray Foundation (Helena, MT, United States).

Myronova also has artwork in numerous public museum collections including those at Crocker Art Museum, (Sacramento, USA), Porcelain Museum (Riga, Latvia), the Mark Rothko Art Center (Daugavpils, Latvia), Museu Cerà mica (Alcora, Spain), and the National Museums in both Wroclaw and Krakow (Poland), New Taipei Yingge Ceramics Museum (New Taipei, Taiwan).

Donated by the artist - Janina Myronova.

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

East Meets West, 2025

Chris Staley

porcelain, glaze

14" H x 8" Diameter

With a wide, round body and elongated neck, this vase is inspired by historical Chinese and Korean vase forms. The glazed black and white geometric shapes across the surface of the vase are expressions of Chris' longtime interest in modernism. Of particular influence is the sculptor Constantin Brancusi, who used form to question assumptions about art and encourage the viewer to see the world in new ways. As the name suggests, this vase is an intermingling of Eastern and Western cultures. With its sleek design and simple color palette, this piece would be a perfect addition to any collection.

Artist Statement

The essence of making pots for me is about being human. It's about fragility and strength. It's about the intimate moment when the handle of a cup touches the hand.

Pots are about potential.

Pots can create a world of slow time where meaning can be found.

It is a notable experience to use pots that exude the soul of the maker.

All of our senses are engaged in this experience.

Very few things can be touched and leave one a different person. It is this paradox of who is touching whom that gives pots their greatest potential.

As a young boy I often played outdoors and made things out of dirt and sticks. I struggled sitting behind a desk at school. I knew very early that to survive spiritually I had to keep creating with my hands

With technology spreading at a very increasing pace my need to feel the world seems essential.

Artist Biography

Chris Staley (b. 1954, Boston, MA) has lived primarily in the eastern United States his entire life. His undergraduate studies in art were at Wittenberg University, Springfield, OH, where he received a B.F.A. in 1977. After graduation, he spent a year as a Special Student at the Kansas City Art Institute and the following year entered the graduate program at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, Alfred, NY where he received an M.F.A.

Chris Staley has had a distinguished teaching career, beginning with Rhode Island School of Design, Wichita State University, and at Pennsylvania State University where he was Professor of Art and Professor-in-Charge of the Ceramics Area in the School of Visual Arts for over 30 years, and now is Professor Emeritus. He is also active in the community, serving on the boards of both the Archie Bray Foundation and the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. Most recently he was a long term Guest Artist here at The Clay Studio.

Donated by the artist - Chris Staley.

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

HAIRY, 2025

Michael Biello

stoneware, brush heads, wooden stand

23" H x 10.5" W x 5" D

HAIRY by Michael Biello is an enigmatic and powerful mixed-media sculpture. With rounded brushes for its head and arms, the figure stands confidently with its arms outstretched. The figure's legs are tightly closed together, with its thighs, knees, and heels touching as it stands atop of a platform. This piece demonstrates great strength and form, drawing attention to its unique characteristics and its ability to suggest strength and artistic expression.

Artist Statement

Biello works in a creative zone beginning with the male form. He incorporates a sense of fantasy and spirit and life inspired by his work in theater, creating new characters and building their worlds and their individual stories. He wants to leave each character open for the viewer to write the story they experience, exposing new worlds through these make-believe characters born from clay into the world of art.

About this artwork

The piece is a physical embodiment of the following poem written by Michael Biello and his partner Dan Martin.

HAIRY

a distant memory

dad

shaving brush

soap

ceramic cup

something comforting about brush to skin

soft sensual

and fun

coming of age

growing up

boy to man

hairy holds the memory

Artist Biography

Michael Biello is a ceramic sculptor who draws inspiration from his Italian-American roots and his passion for theater. He is one of the artisan/makers who helped create the revivals of Old City Philadelphia in the 1970s and Noho New York in the 1990s. Biello's work has been exhibited internationally and is in numerous private collections including many in the entertainment industry.

In addition to his work in visual art, Biello has a long history as a performance artist and lyricist in collaboration with his life-partner, composer Dan Martin.

Donated by the artist - Michael Biello.

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Ritual Vessel, c. 2000

Robert Winokur

stoneware, glaze

18.25" H x 12.5" W x 8" D

This glazed stoneware piece is from Robert Winokur's "Ritual Vessel" series, which draws from mysticism or magic, improbability, spontaneity, and emotion. The form is not perfectly symmetrical, opting instead for more organic shapes and surfaces, evidence of the artist's emphasis on process over subject matter. The color palette is subdued, with earthy tones that range from a dark hunter's green to a mustard yellow. Winokur drew inspiration from Abstract Expressionists such as Paul Klee and Willem de Kooning, whose influences can be felt in the irregular glaze work and fantastical shapes. Beginning with a round, drum-like base, the vessel stretches into a long neck with two dark blue wings on either side.

Artist Biography

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Robert Winokur (1933-2020) received his BFA from the Tyler School of Art at Temple University and his MFA from New York State College of Ceramics. In 1966, Winkour returned to Tyler, this time as professor of ceramics, and also department chair from 1988-1991. He retired in 2005 as professor emeritus.
Winokur's practice evolved over the years, with stylized house forms being a recurrent subject. He considered their physical and metaphorical space as vessels themselves. His life-long commitment to the vessel as both a functional and communicative form resulted in a body of work that evokes powerful emotions while retaining a sense of familiarity and comfort.
Robert and his wife Paula maintained a shared ceramics studio for more than 50 years-half being the porcelain or "light" side and the other the stoneware or "dark" side, according to Paula in a 2013 interview produced by the James A. Michener Art Museum. Their working relationship was a testament to shared creativity and support.

Donated by Tracy Levesque

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Perpetual Motion II, 2000

Richard Notkin

white stoneware

7.5" H x 17" W x 11" D

This fascinating sculpture of a hand is tantalizingly intellectual. The palm of the hand faces upwards with the tips of the fingers gently curved, suggesting a state of relaxation and rest. This position conveys a sense of openness-a desire to give and receive. Notkin's attention to detail is evident in the clearly defined fingernails and distinctive indentations and ridges of the palm. Three spiked spheres lay atop the palm in varying sizes and colors: red, green, and black. These strange objects, somewhere between man-made and organic, add another layer of intrigue, urging us to question the relationship between humanity and scientific discovery. This unique piece is guaranteed to bring both intellectual stimulation and aesthetic value to any collection!

Artist Statement

During the past 38 years, my ceramic sculptures have explored the complex environmental, political and economic impacts of contemporary human civilization upon the ecological and spiritual condition of our planet, and the quality of life of individual human beings. I present these concerns - about which I am passionate (some might say obsessive) - by visually manipulating and juxtaposing various objects, images and symbols to create narrative sculptural works which stimulate the viewer to examine their own innermost feelings. In the past few years, I have begun working with sculpture on a scale larger than my trademark miniature works, and exploring a wide range of clays and ceramic techniques that are new to me. I find myself in a transitional phase that is quite challenging and often difficult, but necessary to the evolution and growth of my art. I feel that to remain viable, an artist must remain forever inquisitive, eternally a student - technically, aesthetically, and conceptually.

Artist Biography

Richard Notkin has been working in clay for over 50 years, and is one of the best known and respected ceramic artists in the United States. He lives and works in Helena, Montana. He earned a BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute in 1970, and an MFA from the University of California, Davis in 1973. His series of Yixing (China) inspired teapots and ceramic sculptures have been exhibited internationally and are in more than 75 public collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park, Japan. He has held visiting artist positions and conducted over 250 workshops throughout the world. Among his awards, Notkin has received three fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, and grants from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation and the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation. In 2008, Notkin was elected a Fellow of the American Craft Council, and was also awarded the Hoi Fellowship by the United States Artists Foundation. He is also the recipient of the Meloy Stevenson Award from the Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, MT, and the Honorary Membership Award from NCECA, National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts, in 2014.

Donated by the Grainer Family.

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

GO FIGHTN' PHILS! Tickets for a 2026 Game!

Take me out to ball game, take me out to the park. Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks, I don't care if I ever come back ...

Here's your chance to never come back from Citizens Bank Park! Enjoy these prime seats for a 2026 Phillies game! Get FOUR tickets located close to the action in Section 129, Row 12. Parking is also included.

Donated by Nancy Burd

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Pop Culture, 2024

Kevin Snipes

porcelain, glaze

12" H x 6" W x 4" D

Dynamic, elevated, and animated-this piece by Kevin Snipes, one of the Clay Studio's very own resident artists, is a beautiful and eye-catching piece in the collection. Snipes' contemporary style contains a range of colors and intricate drawings of people, animals, and shapes covering the entire surface-providing a personality that is undeniably unique and hard to find anywhere else. This vase will never bore you and will always make for a fun and lively piece for the home.

This piece has a professional cold-finish repair at the joint between the body of the vessel and the front right foot due to a firing flaw.

Artist Biography

Kevin Snipes is an American visual artist whose works primarily consists of an interplay of narrative drawings and hand-built porcelain constructions. Along with his studio practice, Kevin has taught numerous workshops and has given lectures on topics such as creativity, art, and the construct of otherness. He was born in Philadelphia, but grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. He holds a BFA (1994) from the Cleveland Institute of Art and did graduate studies at the University of Florida (2003), in Gainesville, Florida. Kevin's work reflects his interest in understanding human behavior through psychological attributes such as attraction and repulsion, inner versus external identity and the relationship of the self and the other. Kevin's art embodies his role as a storyteller. He seeks to draw people into conversation through his art.

Artist Statement
My work is based in the combination of narrative imagery on hand built ceramic forms. But primarily I think of myself as a storyteller. The stories I tell are open-ended investigations of difference and otherness. They are ways in which I can explore the underlying emotional and psychological issues of discrimination. I am interested in what happens when people who are different come together. One aspect of my work is that the narratives I portray encompass different sides, so that every side of the piece is the front side, or protagonist. This said, my approach to working with these ideas is somewhat subversive. Both the intimate scale and the jewel-like surfaces that are hallmarks of my work are a sort of misdirection that the viewer must dig through to get to the kernel of the work. I've loved working this way because I believe that the viewers of my work are dynamically engaged enough to understand that there is a layer of social unease below the surface. I'm very interested in pushing the boundaries of my work in a direction that reveals more of unease below the surface.

Donated by Artist - Kevin Snipes

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Celia Feldberg and Ruth Easterbrook Collaboration

Garden Guardians, 2025

stoneware, slip, underglaze, and glaze

13" L x 9.62" W x 2.25" H

A picture-perfect pair of tigers prowl across the surface of this platter illustrated by Celia Feldberg, with a background covered in Ruth Easterbrook's signature glaze. The playful tigers and colorful flowers atop a dark glaze provide a joyous scene sure to capture the hearts of viewers no matter the age. The scalloped edge of the platter, and the hidden tigers on the sides, add a sense of fun and whimsy to this piece. Ready to hang; ready to inspire!

Another plate in this series is number 156 in the auction.

Artist(s) Statement

Celia Feldberg - I make earthenware pottery which I slip and sgraffito to tell stories. The illustrations draw on my personal experiences and affinities, chasing the quality of a memory with sensitive line work and soft colors. I strive for my pottery to be touchable and practical. These vessels give space for my drawings to be seen and engaged with often, and on many different occasions. One of the best parts of making this work is sharing it, as I love when people feel uplifted by the pieces and connect the narratives to their own experiences.

Ruth Easterbrook - Pottery is a living art in its ability to enhance our daily lives. My forms embody generosity and communicate utility that welcomes interaction. With sturdiness and thoughtful volume, my pots welcome being held, and lend themselves to continual use from the table, to the sink, and back again.

Artist(s) Biography

Celia Feldberg makes illustrated pottery, teaches, and maintains an active involvement at craft schools. She earned her BFA in ceramics from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in 2019. Her work has been featured by The Ceramic Shop, Pottery Making Illustrated, Tales of A Red Clay Rambler and The Potters Cast. Celia was the glaze technician for Ben Carter's Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors. She has exhibited at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, Flower City Pottery Invitational, and in galleries across the country. Celia is currently based in Philadelphia where she is a long-term resident artist at The Clay Studio.

Ruth Easterbrook was born in Redwood Valley, California growing up with the hills as her playground. She graduated from Syracuse University with a BFA in ceramics in 2007. In 2014 she began focusing on her career starting with a spring concentration class at Penland School of Craft (NC) and then spending extended time at Anderson Ranch Arts Center (CO) In 2019 Ruth earned her MFA in ceramics at Alfred University. Ruth aims for her pottery to be an active participant in the coming together of people, sharing, and the enjoyment of food. She designs her works with their primary functionality in mind using a range of techniques for each piece, from hand building and throwing on the wheel to mapping out her floral motifs with glazes to create surfaces with textures movement.

Donated by Artist(s)- Celia Feldberg and Ruth Easterbrook.

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

U-Building, 1995

Steven Welch

stoneware, glaze

14.5" H x 14.5" W x 6.5" D

This three-walled piece stands tall and strong, bringing to mind the imposing and impenetrable vision of a castle wall. The left side of the sculpture is painted with different shades of blue, while the rest is rendered in varied shades of green. The horizontal lined-patterns are suggestive of a brick, contributing to the idea of the structure as something meant to protect, withstand, or tolerate. This piece will quickly establish a sense of structure and stability when added to one's collection, complementing any surrounding art and figures.

Artist Biography

Steve Welch received his BFA from Mankato State University, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1989 and his MFA from Louisiana State University in 1992. He is a recipient of many prestigious awards including an NEA visual arts fellowship and an Emerging Professional Artist's Residency from the Appalachian Center for Crafts.

Steve Welch was a recipient of The Evelyn Shapiro Foundation Grant in 1995, at The Clay Studio.

Donated by the Grainer Family.

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Double Jar, 1996

Tom Turner

porcelain, glaze

15.5" H x 10.5" Diameter

This lidded vase by Tom Turner has subtle decoration and a sense of elevation. The overall form invokes a large bubble rising from the base. At the top of the piece, the speckles of brown and green work in tandem with texture in the glaze to create a diamond pattern that dissolves toward the middle of the jar. It is hard not to enjoy the softly rounded forms that Turner has incorporated into this piece. He successfully conveys this idea of a living and breathing object as the jar swells out and in from the top to the center and down towards the bottom.

Artist Biography

Tom Turner is known for a wide range of functional forms. Of these he revisited the covered jar from hundreds of times, perfecting a thin-walled vessel. Up until 1975 Turner worked in both stoneware and porcelain glazed and salt fired. From 1975 onward, Turner worked in porcelain which he glazed and high fired, but after 1976 did not use salt glaze but fired glazed porcelain in an old salt kiln.

While serving in the US Army, he taught ceramics in the Army Special Services where his civilian supervisor introduced him to potters in the area of Columbia, South Carolina. After the Army, Turner set up the Ceramic Arts program at Clemson University College of Architecture, Department of Visual Studies. It is here that he built a small salt glaze research kiln and also where he created his very first "Copper Red Vapor Glaze" on salt-glazed porcelain. He would continue to develop this glaze over several years. In 2005 Turner established his kiln in Marsh Hill, NC to pass on his knowledge. He said of North Carolina, "... it is without doubt, 'The Potter's State."

Donated by the Grainer Family.

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

$1,000 Gift Card at Anna & Bel a boutique hotel located in the heart of Fishtown

Good for use on a stay and in the restaurant.

Anna & Bel - A serene urban escape in the heart of Fishtown, Philadelphia

In the heart of Philadelphia's vibrant Fishtown neighborhood, Anna & Bel, nestled within a meticulously restored 18th-century former women's asylum, is a haven for the discerning traveler seeking a unique blend of history, art, and modern luxury. Experience the soul of Fishtown through a curated blend of local art, thoughtfully designed spaces, and a dedication to unforgettable stays, featuring a vibrant culinary scene and wellness-inspired amenities.

With glowing reviews in major publications like Maxim, the Architectural Record, Surface Magazine, Travel + Leisure, Philadelphia Magazine and the Michelin Guide, Anna & Bel is Philadelphia's hottest new boutique hotel!

Enjoy a unique culinary experience during your stay, led by Chef-Partner Tyler Akin. Bastia, Anna & Bel's sun-filled daytime café, transforms into a vibrant restaurant at night, serving a seasonal menu that captures the essence of the coastal cuisines of Corsica and Sardinia. As evening descends, Caletta, our sophisticated cocktail lounge, beckons with specialty cocktails, small Italian bites, and serene courtyard views. Whether you're in the mood for an inspired meal or an intimate cocktail setting, our on-site dining options cater to your every mood.

Hotel amenities include:

• Complimentary High-Speed WiFi
• Open-Air Courtyard
• Seasonal Heated Pool
• Onsite Day-to-Night Dining
• Cocktail Lounge
• Beautifully Designed Living Room Area
• Infrared Sauna
• 24 Hour Gym
• Yoga / Meditation Patio
• Reading Nook
• Meeting Room (6 Person Max Occupancy)*
• Getting Ready Room (Available for Event Rentals Only)*
• Wellness Room*

*Reservation Required

Donated by Galli Arbel and Dor Barki

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Domenica, 2000

Byung Joo Suh

porcelain

21.5" H x 15" W x 8" D

This surrealist sculpture by Byung Joo Suh relays a narrative that blurs the lines between history, fantasy, and reality. The piece shows a large white horse atop matte-black pedestals. A silver ladder hangs from a cavity in the horse's torso, bringing to mind the Trojan Horse. While the head of the horse is rendered in a realistic style, the barrel-shaped body lacks detail, its stylized form creating a mysterious juxtaposition with the realism of the head. This unique tabletop sculpture would be a thought-provoking addition to your collection!

Artist Biography:

Suh was born in Seoul, Korea and earned his BFA and MFA in ceramics from Seoul National University. He was a Shapiro Fellow Resident Artist here at The Clay Studio in 2000. He lives and works in Canada and his work has been exhibited all over the world.

Donated by the Grainer Family.

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Basket, 2024

Minah Kim

stoneware wall hanging

19.5" Diameter x 3.5" Depth

This beautiful piece by Resident Artist Minah Kim is a one-of-a-kind sculpture rooted in history and tradition. Basket is composed of the artist's petal forms, created by her fingerprints, and gracefully assembled to create a sokuri, a basket commonly found in Korean households. The gentle colors of natural grays, pinks, peaches, and greens blend together, evoking the gradual change between seasons or the blooming of flowers. This piece can hang on the wall or sit flat on a surface, making it the perfect addition to any space.

Artist Statement

My work simultaneously communicates physical gestures of the process of working and thinking about internalized memories. Internalized memories are sensorial and visceral. They come from sensing the construction of socio-political identities of myself and others as well as its fictional realities. I could only properly express this physical realization through motion, body gestures, nuance, and the way my works encounter others. Existing between the space of certainty and uncertainty, I search for works that activate encountered moments and actualize these nuances by creating and arranging a dialogue within the work. Ceramics and sound are ephemeral material in terms of reading their histories while also having strong tangibility and energy of survival.

Artist Biography

Minah Kim is from South Korea where she earned her BFA and MFA at Ewha Woman's University. She has currently completed her MFA at the University of Arkansas. Minah showed her pieces internationally including at Asia Contemporary Art show, China, The Clay Studio, PA, District Clay Gallery in D.C., Frankfurt Herbstmesse, Germany, and many others in South Korea including Seoul Art Center, Gimhae Clayarch Museum, Gyeomjae Jungsun Museum as well as completed artist in residence program at Anderson Ranch Art Center and Gimhae Clayarch Museum. She is a recipient of numerous grants and fellowship including NCECA (National Council on Education for Ceramic Arts) Multicultural Fellowship and Artist 360 by MAAA(Mid America Arts Alliance). Minah is a panelist of NWSA (National Women's Studies Association) and AAPI heritage discussion group of Northwest Arkansas. She was also MASS MoCA resident artist in winter 2021.

Donated by the Artist - Minah Kim.

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Car Sculpture, c. 2012

Pam Lethbridge x Scott Rosenthal Collaboration

stoneware, underglaze

13.5" H x 14.75" W x 11" D

This quirky and imaginative piece is a collaboration between Pam Lethbridge and Scott Rosenthal. Two small, fairy-tale figures sit nestled in a minimalist car, a juxtaposition that is sure to delight. The separate parts can also be displayed separately, adding a degree of flexibility. Evoking both childhood and play, this is a piece that will entertain anyone wherever it goes!

Artist(s) Statement

{Pam Lethbridge} All that has occurred under the surface, during the dream and long ago influences my work. I am not attempting to convey a message, just a feeling. The figures are at once vulnerable, sweet and frightening. I am particularly interested in their relationship to each other. When a figure is alone it calls out to be tenderly picked up. If in a group, each has an obvious attachment to the other.

Artist(s) Biography

Pam Lethbridge earned a graduate degree from Yale University in Adult Psychiatric Nursing and worked in the mental health field for 23 years. Formerly a member of the Associate Artist Program at The Clay Studio from 1999 to 2011, she now works in a private studio in South Philadelphia. Pam has exhibited her art at Snyderman-Works Galleries. Born and raised in Northern New Jersey, she resides in Center City Philadelphia with her husband and son.

Scott Rosenthal is a long time member of the Associate Artist Program at The Clay Studio. In addition to his ceramic art, Rosenthal is an accomplished photographer as well.

Donated by Friends of The Clay Studio

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Vessel, c. 1980

Anna Silverton

terracotta

23.5" H x 12.75" Diameter

Exuding elegance in its form, texture, and colors, this Anna Silverton vase is indicative of the artist's thoughtful ceramic practice. Seeking to convey sensual simplicity and deep contemplation, Silverton allows the materiality of the porcelain to shine through simple organic forms. Silverton's attention to detail shines in this tan-colored ceramic vase. Its organic forms and sharp edges are so naturally intertwined that they move with grace and are visually pleasing. This vase will not only fit right in with your home's aesthetics, elevating any space.

Artist Statement

My vases and bowls speak to both past and future-bringing together history and potential through timeless, hand-crafted processes. While I admire both historical and contemporary porcelain, any influence on my own work is more subliminal than deliberate. Each piece I create is unique, and I find satisfaction in the cadence and harmony that emerge when individual forms are brought together in a group. My practice centers around wheel throwing, with an emphasis on the gradual renewal of form and a meticulous attention to finish. Though I am drawn to minimalism, I seek a more sensual kind of simplicity-one that invites touch and contemplation. Glazes are carefully chosen and applied in direct response to form; I am continually experimenting with colour combinations and textures to expand their expressive range.

Artist Biography

Anna Silverton is an established ceramic artist, well known for her finely wheel-thrown porcelain. She has exhibited widely at galleries and art fairs in the UK and has had public/architectural commissions around the world. Her expertise on the wheel is captured on YouTube as part of the Ceramic Review 'Masterclass' series.

Silverton graduated from the Royal College of Art with an MA in Ceramics and Glass in 1987. She subsequently lived and worked in New York USA, where she taught and had a studio at Syracuse university. She returned to the UK and set up her studio in London in 1993, with the help of a Crafts Council Grant. She now lives in Ramsgate, Kent, and creates artwork in her purpose built workshop.

Donated by the Grainer Family.

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Vessel, 1989

Masuo Ojima

stoneware, glaze

19.75" H x 15" Diameter

This orange and gray striped vase by Masuo Ojima is bold, adorned with beautifully dynamic patterns moving across its surface. The stripes are cinched and never straight, creating a sense of constant motion. Upon closer examination, the colors themselves are just as dynamic as the patterns. Dark and light orange hues move across the surface, contributing to a sense of depth and action. The gray surface color is spotted, reminiscent of organic materials like stone, rocks, pebbles, or pavement.

Artist Statement

I was born and grew up in Japan. The first two decades of my life there established my culture and aesthetic value. I have many memories of wood and clay around me while I was growing up because my father was a cabinet maker and my grandfather was a traditional Japanese roof tile producer.

Ever since I was a child my interests were always inclined to music and the art field. It was so many years later that I encountered ceramic work. In college, I serendipitously came across the ceramic department on campus and was quite intrigued by watching students working in clay. I immediately signed up for class the following quarter and during the first class meeting I was immensely overwhelmed by the feeling and excitement of creating some objects out of my own hands with just an idea and playful mind. It did not take much time to change my mind to go into the art field not knowing what the future would hold.

Several years after finishing my studies at college, I established my own studio and started creating my work. It has been nearly 4 decades since this journey started. Although there have always been struggles, frustration, experiencing terrible results that occur during the firing process, and many more not to mention. Joy and excitement and seeing something new being created can not be replaced by anything. I will be pursuing my work as long as I am excited by the creative process and AS LONG AS my body allows.

Donated by the Grainer Family.

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Glass Sculpture

Alex Bernstein

Glass, fused steel

21.5" diameter

This remarkable sculpture by Alex Bernstein is a marriage of materials. An ice blue piece of glass emerges from a large, circular fused steel frame evoking sand dunes with a zig-zag pattern that. The glass borders on the opaque as it shifts from deep blue to a rich purple, encapsulating bubbles that add another layer of interest and texture to an already captivating piece. This sculpture is versatile and can either be hung on the wall or displayed on a shelf.

Artist Statement

With each piece I make I prepare for a journey - I have a general idea where I want to go, but I never know where the path will lead me. Every day I set out in the hopes of discovering something new and exciting. As any explorer, my journeys are filled with ups and downs, disappointments and breakthroughs, however with each piece I am sure to gain knowledge and insight which is the excitement that brings me to my studio every day.

Artist Biography

Award winning artist Alex Gabriel Bernstein presents a bold and refreshing exploration of visual form and story telling.

Bernstein skillfully combines metaphor with the power and sensuality of sculpted glass. His cast, carved and polished glass sculptures provide the viewer with intimate narrative landscapes, drawn from light, form and color. Alex explores ideas about the passage of time and the processes of creation and transformation.

The forms of Bernstein's pieces - as well as the techniques he uses to work the glass - mirror processes in nature, such as oxidation, erosion, growth and decay. As a result, many of his pieces evoke images of flowing water, ice crystals, mountain peaks and jagged canyons - all structures that seem solid and unyielding, but are actually in constant flux.

The work reflects his sense of exploration: an exquisitely cut geometric crystal sculpture set against a brutal, rusted steel backdrop, volcanic bursts of cut glass spewing from a steel-encrusted base, layers of transparent color intermingling with ambient light. Alex's sculptures reflect his feelings and sensitivity to others, curiosity and enthusiasm for bringing new dimensions to his sculpture. Others will seek to employ Alex's techniques, but none will achieve the depth of expressionism, his ability to depict the emotions and responses that objects and events arouse in him.

Donated by Friends of The Clay Studio

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The Embrace, 2025

Don Nakamura

earthenware, glaze

12" Diameter x 2 1/4" Depth

Looking for something new and exciting? This dish by Don Nakamura is endlessly fascinating. The graphic images and drawings across the surface tantalize the senses and activate the imagination. The images almost seem nonsensical and out of this world but Nakamura's work is often rooted in his life experiences. Nakamura abstracts these images and they are reinterpreted through the materiality of the clay and the glazes and underglazes. The dish is a perfect canvas for Nakamura's creative mind.

Artist Statement

"My ceramics are based on personal experiences, situations and desires - sometimes camouflaged by abstraction, sometimes literal. My journey through life is what inspires me and gives birth to my work. Curiosity and wonder sustain me and allow me to move forward. Technically my pieces adhere to the ceramic process, utilizing clay, underglazes, glazes, and the firing process."

Artist Biography

An accomplished artist, Don Nakamura has received many awards, including Fellowships from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. He was born in Hawaii and earned his BFA in ceramics from Kansas City Art Institute, and his MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art, before moving to Philadelphia where he was a Franklin Mint Fellow Resident Artist at The Clay Studio and is currently an active member of The Clay Studio's artistic community as an Associate Artist. He has had solo shows at The Clay Studio, the Philadelphia Airport, and was part of a two person show at the Cahoon Art Museum in Provincetown, RI.

Donated by the Artist - Don Nakamura

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Artifact (Hex-Head Bolt), 2003

Steve Montgomery

oil painted glazed stoneware

7" H x 11" W x 8.5" D

If you enjoy large-scale versions of the everyday little things, this mighty screw is the piece for you! This bolt screw is reflective of Montgomery's practice with large-scale ceramic sculptures of industrial and mechanical objects such as tools, screws, nuts, bolts, and the like. The shiny surface and extra large size of this otherwise quotidian object can make any space seem fun and playful-rewiring our usual perceptions of the everyday object into something more meaningful and impactful.

Artist Statement

I've always believed that my beloved but beleaguered hometown (Detroit) afforded me an aesthetic birthright that identified only a fine line between a creative action and a street fight. I was always proud that my hometown was a centerpiece in the evolution of industrialization while simultaneously hyper-conscious of its escalating demise.

Artist Biography

Steven Montgomery was born in Detroit, Michigan. He received a Bachelor Of Philosophy degree in 1976 from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan where he focused on both ceramics and printmaking. In 1978 he received a Master of Fine Arts from the Tyler School of Art of Temple University in Philadelphia where he studied with the porcelain innovator Rudolph Staffel. At Tyler he began his first forays into alternative approaches to methods of low-fired, mixed media ceramic construction and the oil painted ceramic surface treatments that have been a signature of his work throughout his career.

He has been awarded Fellowships from the New York Foundation for the Arts ('90, '2006, '2009), the Pollock-Krasner Foundation ('99,'16), and awards for ceramic sculpture at international exhibitions in Korea (Gold Prize,'03) and Taiwan (Gold Prize,'04, Merit Prize,'06). He was a 2012 recipient of a Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship working as an artist in residence at the National Air And Space Museum in Washington, DC.
His work is included in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Art and Design in New York, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Renwick Gallery in Washington DC and numerous other public and private collections throughout the US and abroad. He currently teaches at Hunter College, lives in Manhattan and works in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Donated by the Grainer Family.

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Cake Stand Set by Megan Stover & Cake Life Bake Shop Behind the Scenes Tour

Along with a full sized and a cute mini cake stand by Megan Stover, enjoy a behind the scenes tour with Cake Life Bake Shop co-founder Lily Fischer. Lily will take you on a tour of the kitchen, and then enjoy a piece of cake with you to answer any questions you have about bakery life.

• Wonder what it's like to own your own business … ask Lily.

• Curious about what a competitive baking show is REALLY like … ask Lily.

• What's it like to make a cake for Queen B - twice - you guessed it … ask Lily.

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to speak with someone who is truly living their dream.

The beautiful full sized and cupcake sized cake stands from artist Megan Stover will fulfill all your whimsical cake display dreams. Megan's candy pink, full-sized stand is the perfect showcase for anything you are inspired to buy or bake. The miniature stand is a whimsical creation, you can put it to use for a cupcake the next time you want to celebrate someone special, or just the end of a long week!

About Cake Life Bake Shop

Cake Life Bake Shop is a Fishtown gem located at 1306 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. From day one, Cake Life co-founders Nima Etemadi and Lily Fischer dreamed of building a bakery featuring unparalleled, unpretentious baking, and doing it in a way they could be proud of.

Now, six years later, Cake Life is an ever-evolving embodiment of that dream: a sustainable retail café and bakery offering the very best cakes and pastries in Philadelphia, all in a welcoming, inclusive experience that both our customers and employees can feel good about. Even Beyoncé likes our cakes--we've baked her birthday cake twice now! (Let's be real, that's a dream come true every time…)

Megan Stover Biography

Born and raised in Los Angeles with an artist father, I was brought up in a craftperson's lifestyle. I first entered a ceramics studio when I was five years old and it quickly became one of my favorite pass-times. My grandmothers on both sides were potters and I inherited a wheel when I was 10. It's in my blood, but the support, inspiration and guidance I was surrounded with growing up proved invaluable. As I grew to appreciate the interconnectedness that ceramics had in my life I began to see the world as malleable as clay. Clay has a unique level of customizability and possibility that allows me to learn as an artist endlessly. Ceramics feeds my passion to create in both 2D and 3D drastically altering the functionality and design of each piece. I strive to create something that is functional, comfortable and personal to each person that holds it. To add a personal touch and attention to detail I carve a signature ring of petals around the foot on each and every piece. My journey through the ceramics arts has no end in sight and will continue to evolve as I do. Stover has had many residences and experiences in clay, including as a Work Exchange at The Clay Studio!

Donated by Cake Life Bake Shop and Megan Stover

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  Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
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Boat Vessel, 1995

Marcio Mattos

black stoneware, porcelain paper clay, under-glaze, and brushed glaze decoration

10.75" H x 22" W x 3.5" D

This Boat Vessel by Marcio Mattos embodies his love of jazz and improvisational music, and will bring those ideas into your home. Not only is the form of this vessel both unconventional and creative, but the dynamic brushstrokes of shimmery browns and greens across its surface create constant motion and visual interest. The Boat Vessel will serve as interesting and creative centerpieces for the table with the addition of flowers, or can stand alone as a sculptural object.

Artist Biography

The Brazilian-born Marcio Mattos studied acoustic guitar in early teens, eventually switching to double bass and cello after becoming interested in jazz. Later, Mattos entered the Villa-Lobos Institute where he became involved in improvisation and electronic music. Since moving to Europe in 1970, Mattos has performed, recorded, and broadcast in Britain and abroad with such musicians as Evan Parker, Keith Tippett, Derek Bailey, and Marilyn Crispell.

Marcio Mattos became fascinated with clay after seeing an exhibition of tea ceremony bowls at the V&A museum many years ago. He went on to train at Richmond College and later for a degree at Goldsmiths College. He presently creates one-off sculptural vessels and plaques in black stoneware and porcelain paper clay with dry-glazed textural surfaces and brushed decoration.

Marcio's early life as a teenager in Rio de Janeiro was punctuated by the presence of nature - the geography of the tropics. Visually, he was fascinated by the steep mountains that surround Rio and the horizontal expanse of the sea. His current work reflects these early impressions both in his tall, upright forms and fluid brushwork surface decoration.

Music was an important part of his youth: the Bossa Nova movement and later, jazz and contemporary classical music. "I bring into my ceramic work the same creative process which lies behind improvisation in music: the spontaneity and intuitive 'free-ness of the moment of creation and the search of the 'Perfect Imperfection'. I try to leave impressed in clay the immediacy of this process, both in texture and in form, emphasizing the sense of freedom and movement through bold brushwork." Marcio Mattos

Donated by the Grainer Family.

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Large Vase, 1993

Jim Malone

earthenware

12.5" H x 7" W x 7" D

This vase by Jim Malone embodies the spirit of the Arts & Crafts Movement triumphed by Bernard Leach -- simple and imbued with the spirit of the artist. It is perfect the person looking for artwork that evokes strength and beauty. The vase is grounded and stable in color, design, and form, presenting earth tone and a sand-like texture that complement the curving shapes and elongated form. Whether it is standing alone or containing flowers and grasses, the vase will be sure to add a sense of that elusive balance we're all looking for to your home or office.

Artist Statement

The means by which my pots are produced is at least as important as the end result. This is what gives the work its character, its soul. I would never, for example, choose to work on an electric wheel. My wheel is a very light Korean type kick wheel which demands sensitivity in use but in return allows a closer, more intimate contact with the material. It is more expressive, emphasizing the soft, sensual, and essentially feminine nature of clay. Pots are coaxed into being rather than forced and, somewhere within its hypnotic and silent rhythm pots are born, almost without notice. After more than forty years of working in this area, I was never interested in spreading wider, only digging deeper, undistracted by fashion or trends, in my endeavor to understand and express the beauty trough pottery form, my legacy will be the body of my work I leave behind. On this I will be judged.

Artist Biography

One of Britain's foremost potters, Jim Malone was born in Sheffield in 1946, just as the first generation of post war potters were beginning to absorb Bernard Leach's "A Potters Book," published six years before. In 1972 he was accepted into the foundation course at Camberwell School of Art where his ceramic tutor, Ian Godfrey, began to open his eyes to the craft. Ian led a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum to look at Korean pots and Malone was deeply impressed by the life and spirit of the work. From then on he began to look at what he described as the "taproot" - Korean, early Chinese, and medieval English pots in the London museums.

After receiving his degree, he was able to set up a studio in a remote barn at Llandegla on the Horseshoe Pass in Wales. There he built a gas kiln and started to produce. Years later he left Wales and took up a teaching position in Carlisle at Cumbria College of Art in 1982 alongside fellow potter, Mike Dodd. In 1984 Malone and his family found a cottage at Ainstable in the beautiful Eden Valley, a few miles southeast of Carlisle, where he made a new workshop and kiln in the generous space of the attached outbuilding.

Malone is a consummate craftsman, but the pots suggest that he is still amazed by his art, that it offers him surprises every day. This is surely why the work has a vitality and freshness rare in modern ceramics. Malone has been a full-time potter since he left teaching in 1990.

Donated by the Grainer Family.

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Funnel, 1999

Matt Wilt

stoneware, metal

14" H x 8.5" W x 10.5" D

In his artistic practice, Wilt draws inspiration from commodified goods and waste from our contemporary world to create objects of ambiguous use and hybrid forms. These ideas are perfectly represented in this (non-functional) tea pot and stand, composed of varying shapes and textures such as funnels, pipes, spikes, and metal-like sheets, the piece has an industrial grunge vibe that would be the perfect addition to your home or collection. Together, the assemblage urges viewers to pause, reflect, and reconsider our perceptions of objects.

This piece has been professionally repaired at the uppermost joint of the tea pot.

Artist Statement

I strive to combine objects and forms from the diverse culture and society in which I live, the United States of America in the 21st century. Initially, this approach resulted in vessels derived from street trash such as mufflers and styrofoam cups, buoy forms on the Delaware River, and the urban architecture of Philadelphia. I am conscious of the connecting threads that link the many disparate elements of history, culture, and what it is to be human.

Artist Biography

Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Matt Wilt received his Bachelor's degree in Ceramics and Art Education from Penn State University. After completing undergraduate school, Matt worked for two years at Boston Valley Terra Cotta, an architectural terra cotta restoration firm in Buffalo, New York, where he began to work more extensively with plaster molds and imitative glaze surfaces.

Wilt completed his Master of Fine Arts degree at Ohio University, in Athens. He was then awarded The Evelyn Shapiro Foundation Fellowship through The Clay Studio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While working as a Resident Artist at The Clay Studio, Matt continued to show nationally and internationally and taught at several universities and art schools, including the University of Pennsylvania, Moore College of Art & Design, and Arcadia University.

Wilt has been the recipient of numerous awards. He has received a Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Grant, an Illinois Arts Council Fellowship, and numerous awards in national juried exhibitions. He has been active as a Visiting Artist at schools such as Syracuse University, Tyler School of Art, Northern Arizona University, and Indiana University. Currently, Area Head of ceramics program at Skidmore College, his work is included in the collections of the DeYoung Museum (San Francisco), The Crocker Museum of Art (Sacramento), The Ceramic Research Center (Arizona State University), and many other public and private collections.

Donated by the Grainer Family.

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
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Baby, 2007

Margaret Keelan

stoneware, under-glaze

28" H x 12" W x 6" D

Baby, by Margaret Keelan, is a realistic doll-like figure that has gone through multiple processes of glazing, staining, and firing to create an intentional aged look. Keelan's work is centered around the emotions that are evoked with the passage of time-nostalgia and melancholy-as she looks at the relics of her childhood and incorporates those feelings and objects into these deliberately aged dolls. As this particular figure holds a smaller version of itself, it is simultaneously taking on the appearance of an infant and an adult. Wearing red lipstick and seeing with large glossy eyes, the doll and baby are suggestive of the attachments to childhood when one becomes an adult, and vice versa.

Artist Biography

Keelan earned her BA in Fine Art from University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada, and her MFA from the University of Utah in 1976. She was the Associate Director of Sculpture for many years at the Academy of Art University, San Francisco, continuing the legacy of her teacher Marilyn Levine. Keelan is known for super realist doll-like figures. The figures are hand built, however they include cast components for the heads and hands that are cast in molds made from 19th century dolls. The pieces are glazed, stained, fired then glazed, stained, fired multiple times. This process gives the figures an aged appearance with surfaces reminiscent of those seen on Santos, Mexican and Central American religious figures. Keelan's super realistic approach to her own subject matter may be a result of her working with Marilyn Levine, who was known for her exquisite trompe l'oeil ceramics.

Artist Statement

For the past few years my sculptures have been glazed, stained, fired, then glazed, stained and fired again to give the surfaces the look of disintegrating paint over weathered wood. This softening and reduction of form so that its essential nature is revealed is a metaphor I am using for life being lived, my exploration of the process of growing up and growing older. These latest small sculptures recall the "Santos" figures of Mexico and Central America and incorporate a reproduced 19th century doll head. Although my figures echo contemporary concerns, the borrowing of earlier styles gives them more of an ageless quality. Linda Gastrom, Professor of Art, states, "The subject conveys a sweet sentimentality twisted into melancholy that touches my emotional core and helps me remember the complexities of childhood and life".

Donated by the Grainer Family.

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Sippers & Rye, 2025

made and donated by Melissa Mytty
Rye donated by Lock Stock & Barrel Rye Whiskey

This lot cannot be shipped.

It's difficult to say who's the star of this lot; we have a beautiful set of cups by Melissa Mytty and an immaculate bottle of rye whiskey by Lock Stock & Barrel Whiskey, Winner "Best of Class" Rye Whiskey 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The cups are wonderfully decorated in vivid colors, spotted in dots and creating shapes and abstract designs that successfully conveys ideas of fun, liveliness, and visual stimulus. Concurrently, this elegant bottle of aged rye whiskey stands out with the undeniable notion that it will taste as good as it sounds. The cups and the whiskey is a set that will surely bring you an amazing experience, so don't miss out!

Lock Stock & Barrel Rye Whiskey:

A Straight Rye Whiskey aged 21 years in new charred American Oak barrels. This is a 100% rye grain, distilled and barrelled in May 1999. Nose: Warm spiced date cake, treacle toffee, orange peel, baking spicesPalate: Full bodied with luxurious viscosity, treacle, caramel, coconut, cocoa, cinnamon, and anise

Artist Statement

The ceramic vessel is the focus of my investigation in my studio. I make forms using both pinching and slab building techniques. I enjoy combining various colors and techniques to achieve depth of surface and interesting results. The glaze is brushed onto the pots so the surfaces take on a painterly quality. I see the surfaces as a combination of Color Field painting converged with Ben Day dots of Pop Art. The surfaces are layered with under glazes, glazes and luster; I am interested in the combinations of these materials and their resulting emotive qualities. I strive to make beautiful, colorful and happy artwork to function well and bring joy to every day objects.

Artist Biography

Melissa Mytty was born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. She received her BFA in ceramics from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit in 2005 and her MFA in ceramics from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan in 2007. She then moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to be a Resident Artist at The Clay Studio where she remained from 2007 through 2012. Mytty's work focuses on the vessel format. She often injects elements into her work from her own interests that include food, nature, patterning, and fashion. At times her work is boisterous, colorful, heavily patterned and over the top and other works are quiet and contemplative. Mytty makes creative use of layers of glaze to add depth to her forms. Gold luster accents lend a touch of elegance. Each form is one of a kind hand made and uniquely glazed by creating variations on every design. Mytty has exhibited nationally and is currently living and working out of her studio in Collegeville, Pennsylvania.

Donated by Artist - Melissa Mytty & Hochstadler Slow & Low

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Interchangeable Still Life, 2025

Jeanne Blissett Robertson X Josephine Mette Larsen Artist Collaboration

stoneware

12" x 7" x 14.25"

Take home this unique collaboration by two of our Resident Artists. These three matte-black flower stems in a tiered vase are removable and meant to be reconfigured in different ways. This collaboration between combines Josephine's minimalist aesthetic with Jeanne's otherworldly plant forms, a unique and stunning addition to any collection!

Artist(s) Statement

{Josephine Mette Larsen} The physical process of creating ceramics holds a special place in my practice and heart. I believe in and deeply value this process. Thinking through the material, I receive and respond to the information at hand, which is revealed by the process. This essential push and pull between myself and the material is where my experience of being a craftsman is enriched - mentally and physically immersed in the process. I appreciate that the material I work with challenges me as much as I challenge it.

{Jeanne Blissett Robertson} I am a ceramic artist exploring the interaction and interconnectivity between nature, design, and human experience in the context of our current climate crisis. My works visualize incongruous relationships between organic forms and symbols/graphics that exemplify human design. Present in my work is a fluidity between what's man-made and what's from natural origin, putting into question how something is formed and how different timescales connect and interact with each other.

Artist(s) Biography

Jeanne Blissett Robertson graduated with an Honors BA in Sculpture & Environmental Art from Glasgow School of Art in 2015. Since then she has lived and worked internationally carrying out artist residencies in Abu Dhabi (Manarat Al Saadiyat), Mexico (Trapo Galeria), Edinburgh (Edinburgh Ceramics Workshop) and most recently Ullapool, Scotland (An Talla Solais). She recently received an Arts Council England grant, 'Developing Your Creative Practice', for a self-tailored ceramics training programme where she learnt from crafts people based in Scotland. Her activity included salt-glazing in Isle of Skye, making geological glazes with rocks from Assynt (world heritage site), foraging for clay and minerals, and multiple-part mould making for slip-casting. Alongside her practice, Robertson delivers experimental art workshops for people of all ages and abilities.

Josephine Mette Larsen is a Danish-American ceramicist, born and raised in the U.S. to a mother and father who immigrated from Denmark in the 90s. She has split her time between the U.S. and Europe, during her education and work experience within the field of ceramics. Larsen's education in ceramics reflects her bicultural background as she holds a BA in design from The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Art in Denmark and an MFA in ceramics from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan, USA. The specific context of Denmark, however, has been instrumental in the establishment of her artistic identity as it carries a long history of high quality craft and design. At the nucleus of Larsen's practice is a strong sense of craftsmanship.

Donated by the artist(s) - Jeanne Blissett Robertson & Josephine Mette Larsen

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Vase, 1983

Rob Forbes

porcelain

15" H x 6.75" W x 5.5" D

Looking for something colorful and exciting? The striped colors of white, black, green, gray, and pink on this vase are bold enough to energize any home! This tall vase has a triangular mouth and body, allowing for more interesting floral arrangements. Don't miss your chance to bring home this unique piece!

Artist Biography

Ceramicist, author, entrepreneur, photographer and public speaker Rob Forbes is likely best known for founding Design Within Reach, but his accolades expand beyond this accomplishment. He grew up a son of Southern California academics and attended boarding schools in Northern California. His first professional life was as a ceramicist, with some of his formative years in the field spent in Philadelphia in connection with The Clay Studio. After a year riddled with tragedy, he took a year off in pursuit of researching how to make design accessible - which lead to the founding of Design Within Reach. A wild (and unexpected) success, the next few years were a blur that instilled in Rob a confidence to continue to push the envelope and invest in change - including a variety of start ups, a micro-farm, and using the tools of design to create long-lasting impact.

Donated by the Grainer Family.

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Pitcher, 1992

Val Cushing

earthenware, glaze

21.5" H x 11" W x 9.25" D

Val Cushing was of the most important and beloved artists and teachers of the 20th century Studio Craft Movement in the US. This piece by Cushing is both bold and traditional, with a historic form rendered in an oversized format. From the earthy green ridges at the top half of the pitcher to the golden swirls cascading around the bottom half, this pitcher exudes a sense of calm. Cushing was dedicated to functional art, taking on challenges to create new and fresh ideas of how ceramics can be both practical and creative. Without a doubt, Cushing's values are apparent in this piece as the pitcher is both aesthetically interesting and perfect for use.

Artist Statement

"I see materials and processes and activities in ceramics to be so endlessly interesting that there is always going to be something out there in front of me that I'm never going to be able to catch up." Cushing explains that his exploration of art is driven by his interests in diversity of ideas, and he cites jazz and improvisation as an example. "A life of clay for me has been an opportunity to be as creative and imaginative as I'm capable of being, therefore fulfilling that need [as an artist to communicate]."

Artist Biography

Val Cushing (1931-2013) was born in Rochester, New York, and received his BFA and MFA from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. Cushing was a functional potter, respecting function and the traditional materials and processes of ceramic art. He has created a body of work that is an invigorating infusion of the visual and the tactile.

His full-time teaching career began at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. The following year, in 1957, he returned to Alfred University where he taught pottery and technical courses concerning clays, glazes and related subjects. He retired from Alfred in 1997, after forty-one years of teaching and was designated "Professor Emeritus". Later he taught summer programs at Alfred, Penland, Anderson Ranch, Peters Valley, Haystack and on the island of Maui where he taught for six weeks as the first artist-in-residence at the Hui Noeau. He gave over 250 lectures, workshops and demonstrations that have taken him all over the United States, to Canada, Ireland, England and Japan. His pottery received many awards and honors, has been seen in well over 200 exhibitions, and in numerous one-person shows. His work is in the collections of many public and private museums and galleries in the USA - including the Smithsonian, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, Cooper-Hewitt, and the Everson. He received honors from Alfred University, from New York State and from NCECA for his role as a teacher. He is a Fellow of the American Craft Council and of NCECA (The National Council on Education in the Ceramic Arts) where he was a founding member and a past president. He received an artist's grant from the National Endowment of the Arts; a Fulbright grant for teaching and research in Manchester, England, an artist-in-residence grant at the Archie Bray Foundation and at the University of Wolverhampton, England.

Donated by the Grainer Family.

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"Look at me", 2025
Emotive Vase Series Set #4

Bradford Davis

stoneware, underglaze, glaze
14"H x 10"Diameter

These bright neon orange and teal blue vase complement each other so well that it's hard to resist! This set of vases are stunning in color and form, playing with the boundaries of conventional ceramic vases. Each vase reflects Davis' intricate and dynamic ceramic practice, as seen in the gentle swirls around their bodies with fun, looping handles that go against our expectations and conventions. This Emotive Vase Series Set is certainly playful and innocent, bringing a taste of a whimsy, joy, elegance, and boldness.

Artists Statement

My series of emotive vases personifies the vessel as a playful human form, with bodily curves, flailing handles, and vibrant solid colors that demand attention. Created to evoke joy, these works invite laughter, lightness, and reflection on the beauty of silly happiness.

Artist Biography

Bradford Davis is an award-winning multimedia artist who uses ceramics as the base matrix to express his feelings, emotions, and responses to his traumas and life experiences. As a retired Army Artillery Officer, he mines his journey of healing to feed his creative research. He mixes fibers, metal, and stained glass with wheel thrown ceramics; to explore the personification of the amphora vessel in its destruction, restoration, and rebirth. Davis received his MFA at Temple University's Tyler School of Art & Architecture and his BFA from the University of South Carolina, both with a focus in ceramics. He has been an Artist in Residence at Tainan National University of the Arts, Taiwan. His works have been shown internationally and can be found in the collection of the McKissick Museum. Bradford maintains a private studio in Downingtown, PA.

Donated by the Artist- Bradford Davis

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Need a little "Dutch Courage?" Gin & Mytty Sippers

If you are a fan of gin the answer is a resounding YES and this gift basket from Philadelphia Distilling and Melissa Mytty is for you.

Gin is humorously referred to as Dutch courage because it originated the Netherlands and was a favorite of soldiers. Today, it is staple of many classic cocktails. This gift package from Philadelphia Distilling offers several of their acclaimed Bluecoat Gins. Also included is a sampling of other spirits, mixers, and some great swag!

And what is a cocktail without a terrific glass? We have you covered there too with two beautiful cups by Melissa Mytty in her classic whimsical style.

A perfect pairing to enjoy your "Dutch Courage."

Artist Statement

The ceramic vessel is the focus of my investigation in my studio. I make forms using both pinching and slab building techniques. I enjoy combining various colors and techniques to achieve depth of surface and interesting results. The glaze is brushed onto the pots so the surfaces take on a painterly quality. I see the surfaces as a combination of Color Field painting converged with Ben Day dots of Pop Art. The surfaces are layered with under glazes, glazes and luster; I am interested in the combinations of these materials and their resulting emotive qualities. I strive to make beautiful, colorful and happy artwork to function well and bring joy to every day objects.

Artist Biography
Melissa Mytty was born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. She received her BFA in ceramics from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit in 2005 and her MFA in ceramics from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan in 2007. She then moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to be a Resident Artist at The Clay Studio where she remained from 2007 through 2012. Mytty's work focuses on the vessel format. She often injects elements into her work from her own interests that include food, nature, patterning, and fashion. At times her work is boisterous, colorful, heavily patterned and over the top and other works are quiet and contemplative. Mytty makes creative use of layers of glaze to add depth to her forms. Gold luster accents lend a touch of elegance. Each form is one of a kind hand made and uniquely glazed by creating variations on every design. Mytty has exhibited nationally and is currently living and working out of her studio in Collegeville, Pennsylvania.

About

Philadelphia Distilling, the first craft distillery in Pennsylvania since prohibition, was founded in 2005 to create compelling spirits geared for the American palette. In the spirit of high quality craft, we're proud to partner with the dedicated team that has been producing Blue Coat for 20 years in Philadelphia!

Donated by Melissa Mytty and Philadelphia Distilling

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Eating Man Teapot, 1996

Wesley Angeregg

porcelain, wire, plastic

11" H x 8" W x 5.5" D

Looking for something unconventional and animated? Guaranteed to raise eyebrows and turn heads, this sculpture by Wesley Angeregg is perfect for you. With arms raised and mouth agape, the figure holds a fly swatter in one hand and is desperately trying to swat away a small swarm of flies around their head. Well known to create many other sculptures with the same uncanny characteristics, Anderegg enjoys depicting strange, entertaining, and serious scenes in his work. In many ways, this piece is not only a unique addition to one's collection, but will provoke the imagination and stir up some interesting conversations.

Artist Statement

I watch what people do and imagine what they might like to do. Life and society are such that we cannot always say and do what we like. However, in the imaginary world in which my ceramic people live, they can. At the dawn of mankind primitive peoples fashioned clay objects. They sculpted about what they knew and wanted. Pregnant women and animals were the hot topics of the day. I think of my work much the same way. Though the topics may be different I feel a link to those old people sitting around playing with this beautifully plastic material.

Artist Biography

Wesley Anderegg was born in Phoenix Arizona in 1958. He earned a BS degree in geography from Arizona State University, where he began his education in ceramics. Subsequently, he studied ceramics at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village, Colorado and at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana. He was a resident artist at both places.

He sculpts clay figures that are both frightening and humorous, based on a lifetime of watching and listening to people. His earthenware pieces and figural groups suggest an imaginary narrative that often conveys his social and political concerns. His art comments on issues such as pollution, the degradation of the environment, and the role of government in our everyday lives.

His work is included in numerous public collections such as Smithsonian American Art Museum Renwick Gallery, Washington, DC; Montgomery Museum of Art, Montgomery, AL; Fredrick R. Wiesman Museum, Minneapolis, MN; Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, MT; the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, CA; and Arizona State University Art Museum, Tempe, AZ

Donated by the Grainer Family

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Sage Tea Set, 2025

Nuokan Huang

wheel-thrown porcelain, glaze

1" Diameter x 0.5" H

*full sized tea cup not included - for scale reference only*

If you're looking for something cute and sophisticated, this tiny tea set is the one for you! Huang has invested great skill and craft into making this miniature tea set, accurately resembling life-size objects in their proportions, color, and design. The ombre color palette of jade greens beautifully complements the white accents around the plates and cups, appearing reflective and multidimensional. The curves of the teapot's body and the rigid lines of its handle creates a beautiful tension. A tea set this small and carefully made is sure to entertain and enchant anyone.

Artist Statement

I started making miniatures when I first moved to the United States. The limitation of studio access and the uncertainty of my personal future inspired me to make small-scale work. I was delighted to have found infinite possibilities and joy in creating tiny pots. My work has evolved from traditional functional forms into mini-landscapes. These landscapes form a personal space in which I am completely free to create and explore, escaping the chaos of daily life.

Artist Biography

I started making miniatures when I first moved to the United States. The limitation of studio access and the uncertainty of my personal future inspired me to make small-scale work. I was delighted to have found infinite possibilities and joy in creating tiny pots. My work has evolved from traditional functional forms into mini-landscapes. These landscapes form a personal space in which I am completely free to create and explore, escaping the chaos of daily life.

Born and raised in Shanghai, China. Graduated from Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute in 2010 and started working on ceramics full-time in 2014. My partner and I moved to the United States in 2018. Currently living in Brooklyn, NY.

Donated by the artist - Nuokan Huang

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Blue Wave Vessel

Myungjin Choi

colored porcelain

13"W x 5" D x 15 3/4"H

This layered porcelain piece is incredibly fascinating, providing visual stimulation and a provocative splash of color to any space. The textures and materiality makes this piece wonderfully unique and tastefully unconventional. Composed of seemingly moving elements, like waves or clouds moving across the surface, the sculpture evokes motion. At the same time, the muted colors lend a sense of calm to the viewer Choi's sculpture is certainly a worthwhile acquisition to your collection!

Artist Statement

My work is based on research that personally interests me. Scientific theories such as fractals, chaos, and complexity stimulate my curiosity and motivate my creativity. My sculptures and installations seek to express the coexistence of order and disorder in art, philosophy, and our world.

A fractal is a geometric figure in which an identical motif repeats itself on an ever-diminishing scale. It is the graphic representation of a mathematical equation in the complex plane, obtained by "iterating" the results of the equation. Chaos is the idea that it is possible to get completely random results from normal equations. Fractals are related to chaos because they are complex systems that have definite properties. A complexity is neither completely deterministic nor completely random and it exhibits both characteristics.

Artist Biography

Myung Jin Choi is a sculptor, installation artist and a storyteller. Born in Korea, she has lived in the United States for the past five years and briefly in Canada while serving as a visiting Assistant Professor at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. She received her MFA from the State University of New York New Paltz in 2003. Choi's work mirrors her history evidencing her life's experiences and travels. Each piece she creates recalls a memory, capturing the essence and feeling of a specific time and place. Her work lacks a recognizable style other than the use of a singular form in a repetitive way. Forms can be sharp and hard-edged, rounded and soft, can be floating in space or firmly rooted, projecting out from the wall or mounded on the floor. The style she chooses to work in reflects the method best suited for the translation of her ideas.

Donated by Lis and Michael Kalogris

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Claire Shenk Rodgers Wine Sleeve and a Case of Wine

Enjoy Moore Brothers Wine Company's very popular Bon Marche mixed case of wine with this gift certificate from the New Jersey store. Artist Claire Shenk Rodgers wine sleeve set is the perfect pairing for this prize.

Artist Biography

Claire Shenk Rodgers has been working in clay and teaching ceramics for over 30 years. Claire came to Philadelphia, PA as a resident artist at The Clay Studio in 1976; and continued her involvement there as an Associate Artist, exhibiting artist and executive board member. She has been a ceramic school director, owner/manager, teacher and workshop leader. Claire leads "Pottery Walking Tours" of both the Philadelphia Art Museum and the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. Claire exhibits ceramics and large sculptural forms from her studio in Philadelphia, and at Gallery 37 - a Destination for Artful Living - in Milford Delaware.

Artist Statement

My forms draw together my attraction for the volume inside the work, a painterly surface, and edge design and flow. These pots are covered with stoneware and porcelain slips, clay additions and impressed lines. They are fired, delineated with wax and stains, spray glazed and re-fired. Ceramic art, as it is made, is a form of living communication. The presence of a pot flows through its volume: this flow is contained by the foot, the walls and the rim. A vessel's rim is its frame; it contains its volume and all that surges within it. The silhouette and surface graphics are extensions of this volume, and carry with them painterly images.

About Moore Brothers

Moore Brothers Wine Company is a unique place if you have never visited one of the locations. In 1996, Greg Moore, Sommelier and General Manager of the renowned Le Bec-Fin, and his brother David, a prominent wine retailer, created a wine store that reimagined the retail wine experience. They represent the work of winegrowers committed to sustainable farming, small production, and the traditions of their respective regions. Many of the producers they represent are considered among the finest in the world. Through their personal relationships with these small wineries, the wines come directly from the grower's cellars under perfect temperature controlled systems of 56 degrees, so dress warmly when you pick-up your prize as the store is also kept at 56 degrees.

Donated by Artist - Claire Shenk Rodgers & Moore Brothers Wine Co.

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Flower Pillows

Giselle Hicks

porcelain

each around 8 1/2" W x 3 1/4" D x 5 1/2" H

This set of wall pillows is soft and elegant, and will undoubtedly evoke a sense of serenity and add a gentle touch to the home. The two pieces of this set are similar in color and design, but the added flourishes of geometric patterns, floral motifs, and the differing sculpted flowers make this set diverse and unique. Perhaps placed in the kitchen or in the living room, these wall pillows will effortlessly make your space all the more lively and naturalistic. They are a perfect purchase or gift for any botanical and floral enthusiast.

Artist Statement

Giselle Hicks makes artwork that provides beauty and depth to one's daily life. She believes living with hand-made objects enriches the home with stories, meaning, and connection to a shared human experience. She makes artwork inspired by sculpture, paintings, and iconic forms throughout ceramic history. Her works are formal explorations of shape, volume, color, and composition.Giselle works with design galleries, shops, and interior design firms to place work in hotels, restaurants, and homes.

Artist Biography

Originally from Southern California, Hicks received her BFA from Syracuse University and her MFA from Alfred University in New York. She has participated in various artist-in-residence programs including the Anderson Ranch Art Center, the Arts/Industry Program at the Kohler Company, The Clay Studio in Philadelphia, Greenwich House and The Archie Bray Foundation. Her work has been exhibited at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, The John Michael Kohler Art Center, the Bellevue Art Museum, the Southwest School of Art, the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, and the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.

Giselle currently lives and works in Helena, Montana

From the collection of Arlene and Bernard Solomon

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Red Spiral Vase

Jim Connell

stoneware

11 3/4" Diameter x 12 1/4" H

Unwaveringly daring and effortlessly elegant, this pot by Jim Connell speaks for itself. Informed by dynastic Chinese ceramic practices, Connell interprets Tang Dynasty and Yixing pottery styles into his work, creating pieces that lie in the intersection of beauty, function, elegance, and risk. The swirling motions across the pot's body evoke a sense of organic movement-like that of water-but the color of rust and red allows the vase to diverge from the naturalistic to the realm of the abstract-an evocation of the surreal and impossible. There is an ethereal quality to this vase, and surely this piece is meant for the home of the thinker or the academic-a vessel of contemplation, mystery, and timelessness.

Artist Statement

"I strive for beauty and elegance in my pieces. On my very best days in the studio I get glimpses of it and it keeps me going. It is all about that eternal elusive quest for beauty.

My work is inspired by nature and guided by historical precedent. I was taught, and, now I teach my students, to look to the past for ideas and inspiration. I have always looked to China for my main source of inspiration. My love of Chinese ceramics was originally centered on the work of the Sung Dynasty. I deeply admired the great porcelain pieces of this period and they profoundly affected my understanding of form and proportion.

Artist Biography

Jim has been an active studio artist for over twenty years. After finishing his BFA in ceramics from the Kansas City Art Institute in 1982, he continued on and received his Masters in 1984 from the University of Illinois. He says, "I strive for beauty and elegance in my pieces. On my very best days in the studio I get glimpses of it and it keeps me going. It is all about that eternal elusive quest for beauty."

From the collection of Arlene and Bernard Solomon

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Fitler Club Get Away

Retail Value: $1,500

Enjoy a weekend getaway for two at Philadelphia's most exciting private club including a one night stay in the Fitler Club's boutique hotel and a 3-course tasting dinner for two in The Dining Room. Cap your night off with a private screening in our Screening Room. Treat yourself to a luxurious day and night in the incredibly highly rated exclusive club in the heart of the city.

About the Fitler Club

Considered the most contemporary, luxurious membership space in Philadelphia, Fitler Club opened its doors in 2019 in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia. Fitler Club boasts a stunning 14-room hotel, unparalleled gym and spa, 34,000 square feet of workspace and private office suites, and refined yet relaxed culinary and event venues - all under one roof. It is an urban social club for socially conscious, forward-thinking Philadelphians, combining world-class dining, fitness, social, and business offerings. From fine linens to lavish bath products, a thoughtfully curated mini bar to bowling lanes, an indoor pool to movies in The Screening Room - it's all here. Enjoy a great night's rest and exceptional service.

Location
Conveniently located at 2400 Market Street between the Financial District, University City, and Rittenhouse, a 5-minute walk to 30th Street Station, a 15-minute drive to PHL Airport, and easy access to major highways.

Donated by The Fitler Club

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Hiroe Hanazono Studio Tour & Tray Set

with inspirational artwork

Oval Tray Set, 2025

Stoneware & porcelain, glaze
oval tray - 10 1/8' W x 5" D x 1 5/8' H
white dish - 3 1/4'W x 2 1/2' Dx 1 1/8'H
cloud bud vase/ chopstick rest - 2 3/4'W x 1 1/2' D x 1 3/8'H

Hiroe Hanazono, Ceramist and Clay Studio Resident Artist Alum, offers a three-hour tour of her personal studio for up to four people. Hiroe will include demonstration on plaster mold making and even provide an opportunity to work with some clay with her. This is an opportunity to see behind the scenes, learn and ask questions from a full-time working artist. Hiroe has included a beautiful tray and bowl as part of this amazing experience.

Artist Statement

My work is shaped by my cultural upbringing and a lifelong passion for food, rooted in the daily rituals of preparing, serving, and sharing meals, and in a deep reverence for food as a source of connection, beauty, and care.
I focus on clean, simple, and occasionally unexpected forms, brought to life through a muted or monochromatic palette that provides an ideal backdrop for the presentation of food. I use wheel throwing, hand building, and slip casting, choosing each technique, or a combination of them, based on the form and function I want to achieve.
Food is at the heart of everything I make. As you view my work, I hope it invites you to imagine a meal: who you would share it with, what you would serve, and how the. objects might shape the experience.

Artist Biography

Originally from Japan, Hiroe Hanazono is a Philadelphia-based ceramic artist. She
holds a BA in Spatial Art from California State University and an MFA in Ceramics from Ohio University. She has participated in residencies including the Archie Bray
Foundation, the International Ceramic Research Center in Denmark, and The Clay Studio in Philadelphia, where she was awarded the 2008-2009 Evelyn Shapiro
Foundation Fellowship. Most recently, she served as the 1939 Artist in Residence at
William & Mary. In addition to her studio practice, Hanazono teaches ceramics and college-level foundation art courses in Philadelphia.

Donated by the artist - Hiroe Hanazono

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Five Ears, 2001

Richard Notkin

terracotta

2.5"H x 2.5"W x .5" Depth

This delightfully intricate miniature piece by Richard Notkin is simultaneously unconventional and aesthetically beautiful. Made up of an amalgamation of ears in rich red clay, this sculpture speaks to Notkin's deeply help social justice values. The design itself is effortlessly smooth and unique, toeing the line between figuration and surrealist. The small size of the piece belies the big impact it will carry in your collection representing one of the best known ceramic artists in the United States.

Artist Statement

Ears are a recurring theme in Notkin's work. According to the artist, the ear represents a "listener to the outside world, cycles of life and death, evolution and survival." Often connected with his deeply held anti-war beliefs, the ears can be tiny, overwhelmingly oversized, piled in galleries, or presented alone, to reflect the many ways that humanity remains unhearing to the plight of those affected by war around the world. He says, "We have stumbled into the 21st Century with the technologies of Star Wars and the emotional maturity of cavemen. The problems of human civilization are far too complex to be solved by means of explosive devices."

Artist Biography

Richard Notkin is a full-time studio artist who lives and works in Helena, Montana. He received a BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute in 1970, and an MFA from the University of California, Davis in 1973. Richard has worked mainly in ceramics for over fifty years, averaging over one solo exhibition per year. His series of Yixing (China) inspired teapots and ceramic sculptures have been exhibited internationally and are in more than 75 public collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park, Japan. He has held visiting artist positions and conducted over 250 workshops throughout the world. Among his awards, Richard has received three fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, and grants from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation and the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation. In 2008, Notkin was elected a Fellow of the American Craft Council, and was also awarded the Hoi Fellowship by the United States Artists Foundation. He is also the recipient of the Meloy Stevenson Award from the Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, MT, and the Honorary Membership Award from NCECA, National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts, in 2014.

Donated by Marsha Gold

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Polka Dot Kitchen Set

Lisa Naples

terracotta, glaze

tray - 8 1/2" W x 5 1/2" D x 2" H

shaker - 4" Diameter x - 5"H

espresso cup - 3 1/4" W x 2 5/16" D x 2 1/4"H

Carefully crafted to elevate your mornings and meals, this beautiful set is the perfect addition to your kitchen or collection. Included is a pair of large red and black salt and pepper shakers nestled in their own tray and four multi-colored espresso cups. These polka-dotted pieces are a delight to use or display!

Artist Statement

A long studio career has given my life continuity: an intimate relationship with creativity. At this point, clay and I are dear, old friends. My experience in the studio is a conversation; a collaboration with something unseen, but felt and understood. I have found myself shape-shifting a number of times. In the earlier years I felt quite comfortable claiming the title of "Potter" or "Thrower". But as time went by, the wheel became no more important than a rolling pin... a tool to help me bring forth an idea. And pots yielded space to explore sculpture. In recent years, labels have become harder to assign. They seem too confining: "Potter", "Sculptor", Painter, "Storyteller"… I leave it to the viewer and the lens of time to decide. I am in service to bringing persistent ideas into form.

Artist Biography

Lisa Naples earned her MFA from The Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) in 1988. Her work and process have received critical acclaim. In 2012, Naples was awarded the Ceramics Prize at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show. In 2010 she won "Best of Philly" and also was featured in the book: "Masters Earthenware". She had a solo exhibition at The Clay Studio in 2020. Naples has work in the permanent collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Michener Museum. Lisa has lectured and given workshops across the US. In 2005 she was awarded an NCECA residency in Australia which fundamentally changed her studio life. In 2021 she moved her studio, home and classroom to Frenchtown, NJ after 27 years in Doylestown, PA. She opened Lisa Naples Clay Studio there and has become a hub of creativity for people with a desire to work in clay.

Lisa Naples has a solo show up now at the Michener Museum in Doylestown called Grounded in Gold.

Donated by Artist - Lisa Naples

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And a Smile

Craig Clifford

porcelain, glaze
4 1/4"W x 12 1/2" D x 4 3/4"H

Originally created for The Clay Studio's 2012 Small Favors exhibition, this fanciful work by Craig Clifford defies expectations and the boundaries of its container. Each work submitted for Small Favors must fit into a 4" square display cube. While Clifford's sculpture does meet this requirement in width and height, the work extends out from the display and enters the viewer's personal space. Composed of a long blue tower-like textured with a variety of slip-cast objects that create a search-and-find guaranteed to capture the eye. This monochromatic structure culminates in a gathering of kitschy animals: red birds, chubby white bunnies, and a fawn. Alternately contemporary and retro, you won't want to miss your chance to bring home this unique piece!

Artist's Biography

Craig Clifford received his BFA from California State University Long Beach in 2000 and his MFA from Louisiana State University in 2003. He exhibits his work nationally and internationally and has been included in the 2007 and 2009 World Ceramic Biennial in South Korea as well as, Ceramic Top 40, and is a past artist in residence at The Archie Bray Foundation, in Helena Montana and c.r.e.t.a. Rome, in Rome Italy. He is currently in the studio working for upcoming solo exhibitions in 2020 at Tennessee Tech University's, Derryberry Gallery, in Smithville Tennessee. He has taught ceramics and art at California State University Long Beach, USC, Mississippi Valley State University and is currently the head of the ceramics program at the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh.

Artist's Statement

I am interested in where high and low culture intersect, how the objects that I make become image-like and how those images carry meaning. My work is an exercise in the transformation of the mundane. As well, it is an investigation into how context, expectation and gaze affect our experience with the objects and images that perhaps go unnoticed and yet surround us throughout the day.
Ultimately my finished ceramic pieces are made from the assemblage of hundreds of slip cast kitsch or low art memorabilia found in commercially produced molds made for the weekend handy-crafter market. I am very interested in building a visual density that confuses the eye and detracts from the original intention of the individual objects. I cut, graft, arrange and rearrange forms that start as one thing and become something quite different by the time I am finished. I will generally work until what I am making is only distantly related to it's origins in things that we know.

Donated by the Artist - Craig Clifford

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2 Longwood Gardens Tickets & Flower Sculpture

Sensing, 2024

Jeanne Blissett Robertson

Stoneware, luster, silk thread,
9.5" H x 9" W x 9"D

"A flower blossoms for its own joy." - Oscar Wilde

This beautiful, otherworldly flower by Resident Artist Jeanne Blissett Robertson is part of the artist's ongoing exploration into natural forms and our relationship to the environment. Tall and graceful, this matte black bloom is reminiscent of a lily with four layers of gracefully unfurling leaves. The sculpture is adorned with jewels that hang on fine strands of thread, delicate as a spider's web. Bring this stunning piece home and enjoy two tickets to Longwood Gardens! Wander through enchanting landscapes where botanical beauty flourishes around every corner.

Two General Admission Tickets to Longwood Gardens. See winning packet for details.

Artist Statement

I am a ceramic artist exploring the interaction and interconnectivity between nature, design, and human experience in the context of our current climate crisis. My project-based practice responds to different natural topics (usually site-specific to where I am working) such as coral in Abu Dhabi, Horse Mussel reefs, seasonal star constellations, and most recently metamorphic rocks. Works visualize incongruous relationships between organic forms and symbols/graphics that exemplify human design. Continuing this theme, I use a mixture of ceramic processes such as slip-casting, slab-building, hand-building, salt-glazing, and painting with matte underglazes, to juxtapose aesthetic styles. Present in my work is a fluidity between what's man-made and what's from natural origin, putting into question how something is formed and how different timescales connect and interact with each other.

Artist's Biography

Jeanne Blissett Robertson graduated with a BA Hons in Sculpture & Environmental Art from Glasgow School of Art in 2015. Since then she has lived and worked internationally carrying out artist residencies in Abu Dhabi (Manarat Al Saadiyat), Mexico (Trapo Galeria), Edinburgh (Edinburgh Ceramics Workshop) and most recently Ullapool, Scotland (An Talla Solais). She recently received an Arts Council England grant, 'Developing Your Creative Practice', for a self-tailored ceramics training program where she learnt from crafts people based in Scotland. Her activity included salt-glazing in Isle of Skye, making geological glazes with rocks from Assynt (world heritage site), foraging for clay and minerals, and multiple-part mould making for slip-casting. Recent exhibitions include 'To A Green Thought', DVAA, Philadelphia, 2022, 'Off-Kilter', Drill Hall, Edinburgh, 2021, and 'Running Parallel', Lewes Light Festival, 2020. Alongside her practice, Robertson delivers experimental art workshops for people of all ages and abilities.

Donated by the Artist - Jeanne Blissett Robertson & Longwood Gardens

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Dreams of Julia, c. 2008

Isaiah Zagar

mixed ceramic, wooden frame

29" L x 17" W x 2.25" H

Don't miss your chance to own a piece of Philadelphia history! In a city known for its murals, Isaiah Zagar's work stands out in glittering splendor. This beautiful framed mosaic is indicative of Zagar's practice, bringing together disparate textures, colors, and forms to create an assemblage that demands close looking. At the center of this piece is a large terracotta colored oblong with the artist's self portrait. Similar to Zagar's other self portraits on view at Philadelphia Magic Gardens, this image shows Zagar with four right arms. This representation is meant to convey the artist at work, applying pieces of mosaic at such a speed that it appears as if he has more than just two arms, while also taking inspiration from depictions of the Hindu god Shiva. Beneath the self portrait, a large white tile towards the bottom of the piece reads "DREAM." To the left of this, individual letters spell out the name of Zagar's wife beneath another, smaller figurative piece in teal.

A highlight of The Clay Studio's home for 35 years in Old City was the beloved 4 story stairwell encased in Zagar mosaics. Take this piece of Isaiah Zagar's mosaic as a reminder of the many wonderful creative memories made in that building.

Artist Statement

My whole life as an artist is a journal; the way I'm feeling every day, the way I'm thinking, the things I'm thinking about. They all enter into my work life, into my drawing life, so it's constantly changing. The immediacy of what you're seeing and feeling is your trip, your journey, your journal. You will see what you want to see.

Artist's Biography

Isaiah Zagar was born in 1939 in Philadelphia and raised in Brooklyn. He received his B.F.A. in Painting & Graphic s at the Pratt Institute of Art in New York City. When he was 19 years old, Zagar discovered the art environment of Clarence Schmidt in Woodstock, New York. This shaped his ideas of what art could be and started a lifelong interest in art environments and their creators. Isaiah's work is included in the collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the Fabric Workshop and Museum, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, and the Brandywine Workshop and Archives. He has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Pew Charitable Trusts. Isaiah participated in residences in China and India and completed mosaic commissions throughout the United States and internationally.

From the collection of Arlene and Bernard Solomon

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Dino Bowls

Elliott Kayser

soda fired stoneware

9" x 5.25" x 5.5"
10" x 5" x 6.25"

Function and fun from the jurassic to your home! These two zoomorphic bowls were made at The Clay Studio during Elliot Kayser's tenure as a Guest Artist. With long necks and looped tails that can serve as handles, these delightful bowls are too cute to resist. Each bowl has a unique coloring with speckles across the surface thanks to soda firing, but their simplicity ensures that they would blend seamlessly into any space. Display them on a shelf or whip up a dinosaur-inspired ice cream sundae!

Artist Statement

The zoomorphic vessel is a playful balance between utility and decoration. I marvel at how many animal-shaped artifacts were buried with loved ones in cultures all across the world, and are now preserved and still cherished. These things mattered to the people in the past, and they still resonate with us today, and help us feel connected with our ancestors. To see a neolithic baby bottle in the shape of an animal, designed to delight the children of the ancient past, feels simultaneously simple and profound. It is these intimate and sincere gestures of connection that attract me to making zoomorphic vessels. I love that my five year old sincerely enjoys my art and that adults I have never met send me love letters about how intensely joyful my art makes them feel. More than anything I have fun making these pots. I make myself laugh, and want to share these moments with friends.

Artist's Biography

Elliott Kayser is a full time studio artist living in Ypsilanti, MI. His wife Jenneva is also a practicing ceramic studio artist, and their daughter, Lenora (age 5), loves coming into the studio with mom and dad to make her own pottery. Elliott has always had a passion for sculpting animals, and the latest body of work is a playful exploration of zoomorphic vessels, often inspired by fatherhood. He likes to tell people that Lenora is his product manager, soliciting suggestions for what the next big success will be; "dad, you should make another triceratops, people are gonna eat those up!". She is always right; people do eat those dinosaur spice jars up.

Donated by the Artist - Elliot Kayser

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everything is broke, 2012

Xavier Monsalvatje

earthenware

12.75 H x 0.25 D x 12.25 W

At first glance, this wall-hanging tile merely seems like an imaginative illustration of a city. However, upon closer inspection, we can start to make out the details of a greater narrative-one that is blunt and candid-making use of the various motifs and images to speak to the consequences of our contemporary cities and infrastructure. The tile is filled with black outlined images, becoming one big mixture of events occurring at once. There are puffs of smoke and spills from tanks, and the buildings, stairs, and highways are being braided into each other. A skull is at the forefront of this piece, positioned right in the lower right corner, affirming this messaging as something that we are to take seriously. Xavier was a Guest Artist at The Clay Studio in 2012.

This piece has been professionally repaired in the top left hand side of the tile, see image for reference.

Artist Statement

My work is based on the study of the industrialization process, especially in the architecture that has been generated during this time period. Architecture that has influenced urban planning, landscape, and social lifestyle, and that has generated constructions that evoke cathedrals of a new belief based on the development, growth, and endless enrichment. I have been searching for the aesthetic element of the manifestations of the industrial advance that gave way to the era of technology in which it forms a new face of power and a technocratic society, where citizens survive in this dehumanized post-industrial landscape.

Artist Biography

Xavier Monsalvatje (Godella, Valencia, 1965) graduated in the specialty of artistic ceramics at the School of Applied Arts and Artistic Crafts of Valencia in 1988. He chose ceramics because at that time he was working at a ceramic factory and collaborated with his brother Jorge, also a ceramist. He was a pupil of the ceramist Enric Mestre.

Upon completion of his studies, he obtained a scholarship from the European Union to expand his knowledge of artistic ceramics in Caldas de Rainha, Portugal. In 1989 he was invited to the creative ceramics course at the School of Ceramics in Manises and in 1990 he graduated in the specialty of screen printing at the School of Art and Design in Valencia, since he has always been interested in graphic process. In 1996, he was one of the founding members of the Purgatori Artists Society.

Since 1992 his work has been divided between ceramics, painting, graphic work, drawing and installation, focusing on the study of industrial architecture and urban planning. In 1998 he founded La Corporacion together with other artists to support and safeguard Industrial Heritage.

His work has been included in group exhibitions and is represented in public and private collections in Mexico, Finland, the United States, Portugal, Austria, the Republic of Panama, the Dominican Republic, Chile, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, England, Canada, Germany, France, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, China, Mali, Argentina, Ukraine, Croatia, Namibia, Italy, Turkey and Taiwan, among other countries.

Currently he combines his work in the workshop with the teaching of ceramic courses.

Donated by the Artist - Xavier Monsalvatje

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Platter, 1995

Charles Bound

earthenware

3" H x 14.5" W x 15" D

This unique platter by Charles Bound is influenced by the many places that the artist called home - from the United States to England to Africa. Reminiscent of rugged agrarian landscapes, this platter features rich red tones with a large, parchment yellow X just off center. Small touches of moss green, amber, and a smattering of sky blue add a sense of lightness to the work. Designed to hang on the wall, this textural piece has enough character for all to enjoy.

Artist Statement

"Another influence is living and working in Yorkshire" Bound declares. "Nature interests me, the bark of a tree, crude, rough walls, a cliff face, I'd like people to think about these things when they look at my work". Indeed, his work from previous firings, spread around the farm looks strangely at home. Dark textures fit into the livestock-trampled field amid stones, knarled trees and rusting farm machinery. And his kiln, rising half buried out of the soil has the air of an archaeological dig.

Artist Biography

Charles was born in New York City in 1939. After graduating from Union University in 1962 with a degree in English Literature, Charles spent the next three years teaching at secondary level. From 1965 to 1971 he worked for a publishing company, dividing his time between the USA and Africa. By 1972 he was juggling a variety of commitments: teaching, travelling, writing and theatre work, mostly in Kenya.

Charles did not come to study ceramics until 1983, setting up a studio while working as a college technician and teaching. In 1994 he was gifted the use of space on a farm where he could build his own wood fired kiln, which he has been working with since.

He and his wife Joy currently live and work in Wales, UK.

Donated by the Grainer Family.

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Cat and Mouse Tea Pot

Ron Meyers

terracotta, underglaze, glaze, bamboo

11" W x 4 1/4" D x 12 3/4" H

One of the most respected and influential potters in the United States, Ron Myers is known for his playful, sharp images of animals and unique, skillfully created pottery forms. Eccentric, unique, and vivid are not enough to describe how dynamic this piece is! On either side, there are scribbled designs of pink, green, orange, and black lines that shape out the face of a cat and mouse. Rapid brushstrokes and vibrant colors create a sense of motion that makes it seem animated and alive. The handle is a woven straw material, a material juxtaposition that makes this piece all the more exciting and refreshing to the eye.You'll never get tired of looking at this piece and by adding this teapot to your collection, you will stimulate the imagination and exhilarate the senses.

Artist Statement

Working in clay and making functional pottery has never been a problem for me. I have never felt the need to dismiss or disregard the concept of function because it was something less than art. I have never found making useful pieces confining or restrictive. In fact, I find that the opposite seems true. The longer I stay involved, the more alternatives and possibilities there are that seem to present themselves. Along with the functional aspects of the piece, I strive to have the end product reflect my own sensitivity and awareness to the material itself and its traditions. The pieces that I'm most pleased with are those that come closest to best integrating the form and surface, the spontaneity and fluidity of the clay along with the object's use.

Artist's Biography

Ron Meyers holds a 1967 M.F.A. degree in ceramics from the School for American Craftsmen, Rochester Institute of Technology, and B.S. (1956) and M.S. (1961) degrees in art education from State University of New York College at Buffalo. He taught at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC from 1967-1972. He then spent the next 20 years teaching at the University of Georgia in Athens where he retired as Professor Emeritus.

Ron has an extensive history of professional activities within the ceramics community. He has presented numerous workshops and demonstrations in the United States and abroad, most recently at the Lill Street Studio in Chicago, Il, Arrowmont School of Crafts, the Huntington Museum of Art, University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the Curaumilla Clay Studio in Chile.

He was the recipient of the National Council for the Education of Ceramic Arts Excellence in Teaching Award and the Northern Clay Center's 2008 Regis Masters Award which honors senior artists who have had a major impact on the development of 20th and 21st ceramics in the United States.

From the collection of Arlene and Bernard Solomon

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• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
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Crystal Cup

Brett Freund

porcelain, glaze

4 1/2" Diameter x 3 1/2" H

This cup is truly outrageous! Covered in sculpted gems, this piece by Brett Freund is dazzling in peach tones, greens, and teals. Perfect for tea or as a curio for your collection. Freund is well known for his over the top depictions of glossy gemstones projecting from his functional vessels. In a world of beautiful pottery, Freund's work is unmistakable and dynamic.

Artist's Biography

Brett Freund earned his MFA from Southern Illinois University in 2011 after completing a residency at St. Petersburg Clay Company, in Florida. Following his education, he was a Lormina Salter Fellow at Baltimore Clayworks and in 2012 was named an Emerging Artist by Ceramics Monthly. He has since relocated to Minneapolis, where he maintains a studio and is a teaching artist at Northern Clay Center, where he received a 2015 Jerome Ceramic Artist Project Grant and a 2018 McKnight Artist Fellowship for Ceramic Artists. Freund's work starts with prototypes designed from hand building, wheel throwing, and 3D printed clay. He uses these components to make new combinations and discoveries as he intuitively pieces together slip cast parts. Though attracted to techniques associated with the industrial process and mass repetition, each piece he makes is arranged so that no piece is ever exactly the same as another, putting a filter between the material and himself.

Artist's Statement

When working I think about my own definitions of preciousness and value. How does an object qualify itself as being important? Is what I'm after rare like a diamond, does it take time to grow like a crystal or is it a symbol that references a status or identity? Most importantly, how can I scrutinize hierarchies without undermining the possibility of growing in my craft?

Donated by Marsha Gold

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• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
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Beyond the Bell -

A Badass Women's History Tour

Come one, come all, and join in on this unique tour of Philadelphia! Walk alongside the Badass women who formed this city of sisterly love. Uncover the incredible entrepreneurs, doctors, politicians, artists, and activists that have made the city what it is today. Hear the untold stories you won't get anywhere else.

Think more critically about the story of Philadelphia and the ways in which women are left out of the mainstream narrative of Philadelphia. Be inspired by the stories of Philadelphia women and leave feeling empowered by the stories of resistance and resilience.

Gift certificate is for up to 10 spots on one of the two-hour, 1.5 mile walking tours. Once you and your posse are done with the tour, the first round of drinks can be had at a nearby Steven Starr restaurant with a $100 gift card!

Tour Includes:

Hannah Callowhill Penn, our forgotten founder
Ona Judge and her great escape from George Washington
Barbara Gittings, lesbian pioneer
Women in Medicine
Women in Art: The Red Rose Girls
LGBTQ leaders in the Gayborhood
Duration: 2 hours

Distance: 1.5 miles

Wheelchair accessible upon request

Donated by Beyond the Bell and Nancy Hays

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Clay Studio Private Party for Twelve!

Win a private party at The Clay Studio for up to 12 people! Our three-hour private event workshops offer either Intro to Wheel Throwing or Intro to Handbuilding. We provide an instructor to work with your group and supplies. Additionally, we will provide light refreshments - including beer and wine if appropriate - as part of this prize.

Have you ever wanted to try ceramics? Doesn't throwing on the wheel look like magic? Maybe you have a latent ceramic artist inside you and you need a chance to get back into the studio. Come to The Clay Studio with your friends and family for an unforgettable experience tapping into your creativity and giving them a chance to do the same! What a generous and fun opportunity to share this with 11 of your closest pals. Your teacher will meet you and your friends where they are and provide support and the skills to make something you're proud of.

Each participant keeps 1-2 pieces that they decorate with underglazes, and then we clear glaze and fire them after the workshop. We will package the work for pick up by the party host 2-4 weeks post-event.

Donated by The Clay Studio

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• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
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Lidded Jar

Douglas Peltzman

porcelain, celadon glaze

4" diameter x 3.5" height

Need a place to store your secrets? Looking to spice up your life with a new spice jar? Whatever your need, this lidded vessel by Douglas Peltzman has got you govered. Glazed in a beautiful green with graphic patterning and red dots, this jar has plenty of visual interest. Perfect for a vanity or living room, don't let this jar slip away! This is an example of the body of work that catapulted Peltzman to the highest levels of the pottery world in the US. His current work is also stunning, but if you're nostalgic for this look, here's your chance to add it to your collection!

Artist Statement

"I have always let my daily observations find their way into my work. I break things down to their essence (line) and make abstract references of things that inspire me."

As a potter, I strive to craft a balance between dynamic surface and inviting form. When I began working in clay, the transition from my early studies in painting felt natural as I came to realize the potential in ceramics. I work in cycles, shifting between porcelain and earthenware clay bodies. This practice keeps me engaged and responsive to various material and conceptual developments. The detailed handwork in my pieces serves as a conduit to heighten one's perception and sensitivity about what a pot can be. Lines, dots, dashes, texture, and color are counterpoised to create structure, movement, and depth. Marks are both blurred and enhanced by the gravitational movement of glaze. Creating utilitarian objects with layered and active surfaces is an outlet for playful yet structured investigation. Essentially, I aim to produce well-crafted functional objects that provide lasting experiences and moments of pause in day-to-day life.

Artist Biography

Doug Peltzman is a potter living and working in Shokan, NY. His overarching goal as a maker is to craft ceramic objects that tell a story and serve as a conduit for conversation, interaction, and celebration. He creates utilitarian objects to bring focus to the intimate intersection between art and life.

From the collection of Arlene and Bernard Solomon

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
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• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
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Lidded Vessel

Shawn Spangler

porcelain, glaze

14 1/4" Diameter x 13" H

This gentle giant is another beautiful pot for the collection. The curves of this lidded pot are soft and elegant, complemented by the pastel colors of green and white. Thin red lines trace the surface of the green glazes, forming a pattern that is reminiscent of organic motifs such as petals, leaves, and other organic shapes. The green glaze drips towards the bottom of the pot, adding texture to what is otherwise an all around smooth and clean surface. This is undoubtedly a piece that is meant to adorn the living room space and will surely be worth bringing home with you today!

Artist Statement

The anxieties of a first kiss, the loss of identity in a foreign country, the spontaneous curiosity of touch demonstrated in a finger mark on a piece of wet clay, are occurrences I find intoxicating. Working on the potter's wheel, clay stretching between my fingers, I find a location, a capability outside of concept. It is similar to courtship or viewing a sunset, the act of throwing a vessel is never insipid; it is suggestive and full, it's offering is slow.

I don't intend for my work to have a singular meaning. It is a chronology, an overview and illustrative pause in time... It is a stretching of a moment to explore progression and development of an abstracted event. Through ceramics, I am investigating issues of process and provenance, manifested as a collection of ideas, images and objects.

Artist Biography

Shawn Spangler is a ceramic artist currently living and working in Hawaii. Spangler's work draws inspiration from historical artifacts, design, and technology. His projects raise questions concerning authorship and collaboration, while highlighting both the connections and margins between digital and analog processes. His wheel-thrown porcelain forms can be complex, yet clearly articulated, oftentimes created through the combination of multiple parts. He states. "My work is an amalgamated map of the world I reflect upon. Producing vessels is a kind of play; a regenerative act ripe with reverence, revealing the human hands enduring connection to creativity. It guides us through stories of our past remaining as a cultural signifier to help us locate where we once were and where we are going. " Spangler holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Pennsylvania State University (2001), and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Alfred University (2006). He was a resident artist in Jingdezhen, China, The Clay Studio in Philadelphia PA, and Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts in Maine. He has exhibited internationally and has taught workshops at numerous art centers, colleges, and universities throughout the United States. Spangler was a Visiting Assistant Professor at Western Illinois University before currently serving as an Associate Professor at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. He is also a founding member of the artist collective Objective Clay, a member of ArtAxis, a peer-reviewed educational, and contemporary art community. As well as being Inducted into the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC). IAC is an official UNESCO Partner, recognized internationally as the principal organization demonstrating excellence in the field of ceramic art globally.

From the collection of Arlene and Bernard Solomon

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
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Urn Pair

Seth Green

stoneware, glaze

Vessel I: 6 3 /4" Diameter x 9 1/2" H

Vessel II: 7 1/2" Diameter x 11 1/2"H

Metallic, moody, and dark, this pair of architectural ceramic vessels are appealing to the eye. The deep color and luster glazed surfaces accentuate, soften, and elevate the forms. Green's pieces seek to capture clean lines and continuous curves, evoking constructions like fortifications, watchtowers, or steeples, while retaining an ambiguity that keeps them at a remove from identifiable landmarks or labels. What remains so notable about these pieces is Green's perceptive experimentation and techniques with varying metals and organic materials inlaid and painted into the clay bodies. Consequently, these pieces are an effect and product of the unique exploration of materials in the realm of ceramic art.

Artist's Biography

Seth Green is an Assistant Professor of Ceramics at Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW), in Fort Wayne, IN. He received a MFA in Ceramics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a BA in Art from Southern Utah University. He has worked at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village, Colorado and has been an artist-in-residence at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana. Before joining the faculty at PFW, Seth taught ceramics at Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky where he was promoted to Associate Professor.

Seth actively exhibits his ceramic vessels on the national and international levels, in solo, invitational, and juried exhibitions. His work is represented by the Clay Studio of Philadelphia and the Companion Gallery in Humboldt, TN. He has received numerous awards for his work including the Best Teapot Award in the 2012 Strictly Functional Pottery National Exhibition and was awarded Best of Show, by the Kentucky Arts Council, for his work exhibited in the 2015 Kentucky Crafted: The Market in Lexington, KY. Images of his work have been published in Ceramics Monthly Magazine, Clay Times Magazine, American iPottery, and two Lark Books publications "500 Vases" & "500 Teapots." Seth was awarded the Al Smith Individual Artist Fellowship and commissioned to make the awards for the Governor's Awards in the Arts by the Kentucky Arts Council. He has also been a demonstrator, visiting artist, and workshop presenter at Anderson Ranch Arts Center, the Clay Studio of Missoula, Michigan Mud Conference, and at several universities around the country.

Donated by the Artist - Seth Green

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• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
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Phillies Car

Jeremiah Ibarra

stoneware, glaze

8" x 4.5" x 4.25"

Let's go cruising! This striking piece by Resident Artist Jeremiah Ibarra is covered in nostalgia and local pride: from Papa Smurf to the NFL. The graphic imagery is in line with Ibarra's practice of utilizing surface design to start conversations about culture and socioeconomic disparities. Intellectually stimulating and eye-catching, this piece is the perfect addition for anyone looking to spice up their collection.

Artist's Statement
I'm interested in elevating seemingly prosaic scenes and otherwise mundane objects with the aim of shedding light on socioeconomic disparities, thereby acknowledging where our intellectual and cultural developments thrive. My pots examine the arena of the commonplace by leaning into the familiar. Iconographic drawing on pottery is nothing new. Most folks might argue that pots have an inherent need for ornamentation. Drawings have the ability to both fill this role as well as transcend ornamentation all together. This is a lot to ask of any drawing or pot for that matter, but I am increasingly interested in this departure. My drawings, often allusions from North American pop culture, are meant to evoke a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. The pantry references in my portfolio allude to growth, family, and valuing the meals and objects we live with and work for. These pieces offer a recollection on a common narrative. One that speaks to a culture of "getting by." These drawings dress up modestly glazed stoneware and terracotta tableware. In turn the pots become placeholders for commemorative china in a lower to middle class cabinet.

Artist's Biography
Jeremiah Ibarra is a multidisciplinary artist native to San Angelo Texas, a city built on a bed of caliche along the Concho River. In 2014, He earned an MFA from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi where he studied under Louis Katz and Amber Scoon. Jeremiah has been invited to participate in a number of artist residencies, which include the Chautauqua School of Art, New Harmony Clay Project, 100 West Corsicana, and Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts. Exhibitions include: The 20th San Angelo National Ceramics Competition at SAMFA, Clay National XVII - The Autobiography of the Object at Carbondale Clay Center, and the 31st Annual Strictly Functional Pottery National in Lancaster, PA.

Donated by the Artist - Jeremiah Ibarra

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Friendly Ambush, 2025

Celia Feldberg and Ruth Easterbrook Collaboration

stoneware, slip, underglaze, and glaze

13" L x 9.62" W x 2.25" H

A delightful collaboration between two of The Clay Studio's Resident Artists, this platter features a swathe of bright, beautiful blooms in Ruth Easterbrook's signature style with friendly tigers illustrated by Celia Feldberg. The scalloped edge and raw clay visible between gaps in the foliage add visual intrigue, and the tigers are too cute to deny! Ready to hang on the wall, this piece is the perfect addition, or start, to any collection of contemporary ceramics!

Artist(s) Biography

Celia Feldberg makes illustrated pottery, teaches, and maintains an active involvement at craft schools. She earned her BFA in ceramics from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in 2019. Her work has been featured by The Ceramic Shop, Pottery Making Illustrated, Tales of A Red Clay Rambler and The Potters Cast. Celia was the glaze technician for Ben Carter's Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors. She has exhibited at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, Flower City Pottery Invitational, and in galleries across the country. Celia is currently based in Philadelphia where she is a long-term resident artist at The Clay Studio.

Ruth Easterbrook was born in Redwood Valley, California growing up with the hills as her playground. She graduated from Syracuse University with a BFA in ceramics in 2007. In 2014 she began focusing on her career starting with a spring concentration class at Penland School of Craft (NC) and then spending extended time at Anderson Ranch Arts Center (CO) In 2019 Ruth earned her MFA in ceramics at Alfred University. Ruth aims for her pottery to be an active participant in the coming together of people, sharing, and the enjoyment of food. She designs her works with their primary functionality in mind using a range of techniques for each piece, from hand building and throwing on the wheel to mapping out her floral motifs with glazes to create surfaces with textures movement.

Donated by Artist(s)- Celia Feldberg and Ruth Easterbrook.

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

PMA Curator Tour

Gather up five friends to experience a exclusive tour at the Philadelphia Museum of Art with curator Jack Hinton of historical ceramics in the galleries. This is an opportunity to get a deep dive into the breadth of the historical European Ceramics at the PMA with an expert in the field. It will be entertaining and enlightening!

This package also includes PMA Member Plus Membership which is good for the winner and a guest for one year plus various benefits.

Donated by Jack Hinton

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• The winner will coordinate the time and details of the tour with The Clay Studio curator, Jennifer Zwilling

Relax and Unwind with a Rescue Spa Gift Package

Rescue Spa Gift Package Includes a Gift Certificate for spa services and Danucera products for at-home self-care!

Rescue Spa's Philadelphia location is conveniently located in the beautiful Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. Rescue Spa is a 9,700-square-foot urban oasis featuring 15 treatment rooms for body, facial, and massage, a nail lounge, a hair salon, a brow room, and an expanded beauty and make-up boutique. Enjoy your visit to Rescue Spa, among bespoke furniture, art, and luxurious materials that create an environment that invites you to unwind.

Donated by Rescue Spa

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Plant Node Collection, 2025

Plants included with winning bid

Pandemic Design Studios

porcelain, glaze

the size varies as piece is composed of tiles which can be arranged in many ways

Collection Description

The Node Collection was born out of a desire by former architect, David Rozek, to create a wall planter for his favorite plant, the Staghorn Fern. The available options were limited and included only wooden lattice or wood planks to mount this plant to the wall. David was interested in finding a more modern and clean solution to fit his aesthetic and when he could not find anything, he decided to create his own.

David is proud of the fact that the materials used are sustainable, the finished product is used for sustainable practices, and his labor and production model helps to build and support sustainable local economies and communities.

Humble in its beginnings and born out of a lack of options, The Node Collection has become the benchmark for luxury design sculptural wall planters and custom plant walls that are enjoyed by a domestic and international clientele in projects ranging from a few Nodes to hundreds.

Studio History

Pandemic Design Studio, established in 2017 by former architect, David Rozek is a multidisciplinary design and production studio specializing in ultra modern ceramic forms, industrial inspired lighting sculptures, and organic modern furniture. In ceramics, David's design vision has focused on explorations in modular modern forms, inspired and derived from
nature, that together create living installations on both vertical and horizontal surfaces.

Pandemic Design Studio is an award winning, published, and patent holding independent studio based outside of Philadelphia and is proud to serve a domestic and international clientele.

Donated by David Rozek and Pandemic Design Studio.

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
  Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Sips and Dips

This item cannot be shipped.

Raffle Tickets Are Available In-Person Only

Enjoy a fabulous Sake Set and some sake - to complete this package we have beautiful dipping bowls by artist Maya Wasileski, some lovely chopsticks and rests.

All you need to do is pick-up or make some of your favorite Japanese cuisine for a terrific experience at home!

Donated by The Clay Studio and Maya Wasileski

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Jewelry Set, 2025

Nitza Walesca

glazed stoneware

Raffle Tickets Are Available In-Person Only

Up your jewelry game with this beautiful necklace and earring set from Clay Studio artist Nitza Walesca. These pieces glazed in blue and green hues are sure to become shining stars in your jewelry rotation. Worn together or separately you will receive many compliments on these stunning pieces of wearable art!

Artist Biography

Nitza Walesca began taking classes at The Clay Studio in 1993, and has continued her ceramic education here since that time. She is a vibrant member of The Clay Studio staff and community through her teaching in our school and for the Claymobile. Walesca also teaches at community arts centers and universities around Philadelphia.

As an artist, Nitza Walesca creates innovative vessels based on traditional forms and adorns them with Taino symbols. Her indigenous Puerto Rican, Taino heritage serves as a strong inspiration. Nitza was introduced to ceramic art by her high school art teacher, and then continued her education through The Clay Studio. She is now a Claymobile Teaching Artist and Community Engagement Assistant at The Clay Studio, as well as a resident of our new neighborhood, South Kensington.

Donated by the Artist - Nitza Walesca

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Ani Kasten Cup

Raffle Tickets Are Available In-Person Only

This small cup is a quintessential example of Ani Kasten's artistry and skill. It's form and surface are beautifully detailed, and the colors will compliment any home. This piece will shine in your home and add dimension to your ceramic collection.

Artist Biography

Kasten began her career in ceramics in 2000, apprenticing with British ceramist Rupert Spira. After a year in England gaining a foundation in functional studio pottery, Kasten traveled to Kathmandu, Nepal, where she spent four years as head of a project for developing a stoneware ceramic facility for artisan potters in the village of Thimi, Nepal. Her training in England and her experiences in Nepal were a formative influence on Kasten's ceramic sculpture and vessels, which draw on minimalist British studio ceramics, as well as hand-made antiquities created by indigenous peoples throughout Asia. Kasten greatly benefitted from sharing techniques and materials with artisans from far-flung cultures, and this has given rise to a unique artistic vocabulary that informs her own ceramic work.

In 2005, Kasten established her studio in Oakland, California, where she shifted from making functional studio ceramics to also creating sculptural ceramics. In 2007 Kasten became an Artist in Residence at Red Dirt Studio in Mt. Rainier, MD, where she worked closely with artist Margaret Boozer. Here, she further developed her distinct combination of sculpture and vessel work, showing her ceramics nationally at galleries and fine craft shows. In 2012, she purchased an old shoe repair shop to house her studio as well as workspace for other artists. Kasten's storefront studio and gallery, Artbar, was a draw for visitors and collectors, and became one of the neighborhood creative hotspots. In 2016, Kasten moved to the St. Croix River Valley, northeast of Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she is currently a host potter for the historic St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour. Kasten lives in Shafer, Minnesota, on a small farm with a house and barn where her studio and showroom are located. She continues to exhibit her work nationally and internationally in galleries and fine craft exhibitions.

Donated by the Artist - Marsha Gold

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Not so Mystery Mugs

Raffle Tickets Are Available In-Person Only

If you are not into the mystery of the small brown box, this raffle is for you. Four beautiful mugs paired with coffee and coffee products from local roasters. This is perfect for a coffee lover or the coffee lover in your life.

This package includes:

• Four oversized Coffee Mugs
• La Columbe Coffee
• Eclat Coffee Chocolate Bar
• Rival Brothers Select Coffee
• Reanimator Coffee Decaf Blend
• Slow & Low Chicory Blend - alcohol

Enjoy!!

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Bud Vase

Eric Pardue

terracotta, glaze

6"W x 4"D x 10" H

Raffle Tickets Are Available In-Person Only

This vase from Eric Pardue features a collage of vintage images is sure to spice up any room. The vase itself is a pale yellow with orange and blue crosses scattered across the surface. A vintage image of a little boy in a striped shirt constructing a building is shown on either side. At the bottom of this image are roses and a pail of water.

Artist Biography

Eric Pardue is an artist based in Milton, WV. After receiving a Bachelors of Fine Arts from Alfred University in Alfred, NY, Eric went on to serve a years residency at Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts in Maine and a years apprenticeship with New York based ceramic artist, Jeff Shapiro. Returning to his home state, Mr. Pardue set up a studio where he has pursued various ideas in clay and currently works in low fire earthenware with applied imagery. These images, covering a broad range of topics, serve to tell stories that share interests both specific to the maker and, hopefully, that engage the viewer to develop their own narratives from the pieces.

Donated by the Artist - Eric Pardue

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

The Clay Studio Fast Pass

Raffle Tickets Are Available In-Person Only

Haven't beat the rush of class signup? Take your shot at winning free entry to any Clay Studio class of your choice.

No more hoping there's a spot left during signups with this raffle item. The winner is guaranteed a spot in any class. You can also give this class to a person of your choosing if you'd like someone in your life to deepen their love for clay and ceramics!

This lot includes a fabulous swag bag filled with ceramic tools and a newly designed Clay Studio T-shirt illustrated by our Resident Alumni Ruth Easterbrook (t-shirt may be exchanged for size).

Donated by The Clay Studio

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Cup Set, c.1999

Bernadette Curran

3 piece set ranging from 3" to 4.5" H with a 2" diameter

Raffle Tickets Are Available In-Person Only

If you're looking for something truly unique in your life, these three cups are for you. This set from Bernadette Curran features her well known artistry for altered animal forms that colorfully fuse with functional pieces. These funky cups are a fun way to to use something beautiful everyday.

Artist Biography
A frequent exhibitor with The Clay Studio, Bernadette Curran holds a MFA from Ohio State University and a BFA from Pennsylvania State University. Bernadette has enjoyed teaching adults and children since 1995. She has received artist-in-residence fellowships from Chester Springs Studio, Baltimore Clayworks and the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works. She has been a visiting artist at Penland School of Crafts, North Carolina and continues to teach workshops and exhibit her work on a national level.

Donated by the Soloman Family

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Celia Feldberg Drinks Pitcher with Blue Coat Gin and Rock & Rye

Raffle Tickets Are Available In-Person Only

Mix fabulous drinks at home in this whimsical pitcher from Resident Artist Celia Feldberg. Create amazing cocktails with local Blue Coat Gin and Rock & Rye. With these fundamentals in place, you next party is sure to be a success!

Artist Biography

I make earthenware pottery, which I slip and sgraffito to tell stories. Since making this work, I have a new reaction to things that happen in my life: "I should make a mug about this." I strive for my pottery to be touchable and practical and for the illustrations to be joyous, or at least comforting in some way. I chase the quality of a memory with sensitive line work and soft colors. My characters are informed by storybooks and films that anthropomorphize animals to make everything a bit less real and a bit more charming and funny. I like when my drawings are both niche and relatable. The best part is when people feel uplifted by the pieces and connect the narrative to their own experiences. I want my imagery to exist on utilitarian pottery so it can be seen and engaged with often, on many different occasions, and hopefully, over a long time.

Donated by Hochstadter's Slow & Low and Philadelphia Distillery

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Date Night at City Winery

Raffle Tickets Are Available In-Person Only

Enjoy dinner and a show at City Winery. Certificate has a value of $200 for dinner and non-sold out show at City Winery located at 990 Filbert St, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Reservations need to be made 48-hours in advance. Must present certificate to City Winery the day of the show.

City Winery is the brainchild of Michael Dorf, founder of the iconic Knitting Factory, one of New York's longest running music venues, who wanted to create a space in Manhattan where he could combine his shared passions for wine and music. After making his first barrel of wine in California with his brother Josh and winemaker David Tate, formerly of Ridge Winery and now at Barnett Vineyards, Michael caught the bug: "For a long time I'd been enjoying wine as a fan - drinking it, taking classes, attending wine dinners - but it was not until I actually started participating in the process of working with the grape, turning it into wine, putting it into a bottle, and watching it develop over time, that I really started to understand wine. And when I would give my friends a bottle of wine with my name on it, most would respond by saying: 'I wanna do that too!' It was this experience that led Michael to conceptualize and start working on the City Winery business plan in 2006.

Donated by City Winery

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Lily Jar

Cliff Lee

porcelain, celadon glaze

3 1/2" Diameter x 2 1/2" H

Raffle Tickets Are Available In-Person Only

Bring this stunning example of artist Cliff Lee's work home. This lidded dish features Cliff's beautiful use of celadon glaze and exquisite carving. A must have for any ceramic collection.

Artist Biography

With four decades of experience under his belt, Cliff stands as a master craftsman in the world of ceramics. Cliff has honed his skills, shaping clay into exquisite forms that captivate the imagination. This dish is a beautiful example of his understanding of the medium, seamlessly translating his vision into tangible works of art. With each piece, Cliff creates vessels that speak of timelessness and beauty. Cliff's pottery serves not only as a testament to his talent but also as a bridge connecting past and present, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of ceramic artistry.

Lee gained prominence through his inclusion in the 1993 show White House Collection of American Crafts, which was curated by Michael Monroe, who was then the director of the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution. Lee's work is now included in the permanent collections of several museums, including the National Museum of American Art at the Smithsonian Institution, the Yale University Art Gallery, and the Peabody Essex Museum. He has also won numerous awards for his porcelain, including Best of Ceramics at the American Craft Exposition, the Craftsmen's Choice Award at the Smithsonian Craft Show, and the Award of Excellence in Craft at the Westchester Craft Show. More recently, Cliff has shown his work at the Palm Beach Show, held every year at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. He also continues to show his work at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show.

Donated by Marsha Gold

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Ice Cream Package & Gift Card

Raffle Tickets Are Available In-Person Only

Retail Value: $225.00

When is it not a good day for ice cream? We know you have a sweet tooth - so indulge yourself with raffle that includes three pint cards that you can redeem for any flavor your heart desires. Enjoy your Jeni's ice cream in a pair of Clarissa Eck bowls and some fancy ice cream spoons. Also included is a Jeni's recipe book for creating more amazing ice cream treats. ENJOY!

Please note - the ice cream bowls are NOT safe for the microwave.

Artist Biography

Clarissa Eck came to pottery after earning her BFA in Illustration and Graphic Design at Pratt Institute. Her clay journey began at The Clay Studio fueled by an energetic curiosity. She was a member of the Work Exchange Artist Program and recently joined the Associate Artists, and currently makes her artwork at The Clay Studio. Clarissa creates illustrated pottery that integrates animal messengers, ancient plant knowledge and hermetic symbolism-to stir the depths of the spirit.

Donated by Artist - Clarisssa Eck

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Bud Vessel Pair

glazed porcelain

both within 5" Diameter x 4" H

While they are simple in design, these two spherical vases are commanding in their presence. One vase is shorter in length and width than the other, but their identical designs tell us that they are ready to adorn the interior spaces of the home or the workplace as a pair. Grounded in their matte, dark brown, and earthy color all around, the vases are ultimately defined by the singular circle of a glossy red color placed in the center of their bodies. The red circle is reflective like that of a mirror and juxtaposes itself to the matte brown color, stirring up a sense of a deeper contrast, diversity, and an undeniable sense of versatility in its function and design.

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Samantha Bartlett and L'Effet Papillon - a perfect pairing.

Enjoy the trio of L'Effet Papillon wines served at Mud Ball from Domaine le Roc des Anges at home. This very drinkable wine is affectionately known by its fans as "the one with the butterfly." The wine will taste even better when served from these lovely Samantha Bartlett cups.

Artist Biography

Samantha Bartlett's interest in ceramics became ignited after helping fire the wood kiln at Wheaton Arts in Millville, NJ. She began learning to throw in several small studios around Philadelphia and continued her journey after moving to Fairbanks, Alaska. Studying at The University of Alaska, she enjoyed learning about atmospheric firing by working with anagama and reduction kilns. After moving back to South Jersey, Samantha became an intern at Wheaton Arts of South Jersey and began to pursue ceramics as a career. In 2021 she became an associate potter. She makes functional pottery which typically starts on the wheel and is often hand altered to create unique forms. All of her work is fired in a salt or gas reduction kiln to cone 10. She enjoys playing with subtle patterns which reference nature on the surfaces of her pots by using flashing slips and a wax resist method.

Donated by The Clay Studio

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Penn Museum Family Tour

Did you know the Penn Museum galleries are fantastic spaces for young children to explore? With rich stories, fascinating objects, and hands-on learning opportunities, the museum is a perfect place to spark curiosity and imagination in our youngest visitors.

Join a Penn Museum Education staff member for a special guided tour designed just for families - young children are especially welcome! This interactive tour will be both informative and activity-based, making the museum experience engaging and fun for visitors of all ages.

Donated by The Penn Museum

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Tea Time!

Teapot

Paul Eshelman

terracotta, glaze

dimensions

Calling all lovers of tea. This beautiful teapot from ceramic artist Paul Eshelmen is what you need to complete your afternoon tea ritual. Paired with loose tea from Rival Brothers and tea balls you will be ready to brew the perfect cuppa' anytime.

Artist biography

Culture has been defined as what we make of the world. Functional pottery is Paul Eshelman's cultural attempt, through the material of clay, to bring order and human dignity to the merely physical act of consuming food and drink. As his pots are used daily, Paul's hope is that they carry measures of quiet and nourishment for body and spirit. He imagines people at a dinner table, workspace, or office cubicle where food and drink are served and humanized by hospitable, well-ordered pots.

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.