VERO BEACH — Members of the Mad Potter’s Association and the Cultural Council will exhibit their ceramic artwork in a show titled “Arresting Art at the Courthouse” at the Indian River County Courthouse beginning Friday, Oct.14. Courthouse hours are Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
Many of the area’s premier clay artists including Sean Clinton, Shotsi LaJoie, Lisa Lugo, Richard Ramirez, Maria Sparsis, Glenda Taylor and Trudy Von Linsowe will display large vessels, sculpture, and wall pieces in the Courthouse lobby. A price list of available pieces can be requested at the information desk located next to the display area.
The Mad Potters Association is open to all ceramic artists and people interested in ceramics. It was formed four years ago and has over 60 members.
Sean Clinton is a very accomplished potter and graphic designer, and currently teaches at the Vero Beach Museum of Art. He has studied with noted raku artist Harvey Sadow and has assisted him at the prestigious Penland School in North Carolina.
Shotsi Cain LaJoie is a partner/artist at Tiger Lily Art Studios and Gallery. Her contemporary clay work is distinguished by bold designs and colors that are masterfully applied. She works in many mediums other than clay and often combines them.
Lisa Lugo is part owner of Flametree Clay Art Gallery, and has worked in clay for over 25 years. Nature, organic forms and the Japanese aesthetic inspire her. She is active in many ceramics related charitable causes in our community such as the Soup Bowl and the Mad Potters Tea Party Show.
Richard Ramirez is a very talented potter who has recently moved to Vero Beach from California. After teaching ceramics to high school and college students for 36 years, he has retired to further his interest in the ancient art of Raku, and specifically a technique called Naked Raku.
Maria Sparsis is part owner and resident artist of Flametree Clay Art Gallery. She is a marine biologist by training and has a deep interest in nature in all its forms. She owns “Tea and Chi” a premium loose-leaf tea company and it was her love of tea and her collection of teapots that initially brought her to the world of ceramics.
Glenda Taylor has been a studio artists working in clay for 37 years. She has taught at the Vero Beach Museum of Art and is part owner of Tiger Lily Art Studios and Gallery. Many of her decorative vessels have sea life inspired designs and patterns, and she is known for her detailed glazework.
Trudy Von Linsowe is one of five Flametree Clay Art Gallery owners and resident artists. She is greatly inspired by the Art Deco movement and is a bonsai enthusiast, and these interests are reflected in her clay work.
When asked what inspires her designs she says “Everything, anything. I see pots everywhere!”