The Ronald H. Silverman Fine Arts Gallery at Cal State LA opened the semester with its first broadly intended ceramic show, from Jan. 22 to Feb. 22. The exhibit features over 20 clay pieces from internationally renowned and local artists, from Picasso to Cal State LA graduates.  

The artworks were acquired as part of a process that invited artists to gather pieces from local galleries and artists, according to the university website. Exhibition Director Mika Cho said that while there is no theme behind “Earth and Ember,” the exhibit is a celebration of the contributions that the artists have made to ceramic art and education of the art. 

The works ranged from traditional clay pottery to modern stoneware and glass. The organizers of the exhibition are Brenda Starks, a ceramist, educator, and Cal State LA alumna, and Darren Alvarez, an intern at the Silverman Fine Arts Gallery and studio arts major.

Second-year Allison Osvaldo said she actively keeps up with the exhibits. 

“The quality of work makes you forget you’re on a university campus; it’s all just so good,”  Osvaldo said.

A gap in her schedule last semester allowed more time to explore the exhibits between classes. 

Cho said the exhibition aims to teach people about ceramics and the education surrounding it by including artists who are considered teachers of the craft. She said artist Pablo Picasso changed pottery by introducing new techniques to sculpture and ceramics. His creative experimentation can be seen in his extensive body of works, including over 3,500 clay pieces he produced throughout his career. 

Cho said she admires many of the artists displayed in the exhibit for how they help other people to be inspired, pushing others constantly to be better through their practices and teachings. She wants students to know the history of ceramic art and have a deeper understanding and appreciation.

Cho credited artists who have carved the path of ceramic education: Ken Price, Adrian Saxe, Peter Voulkos, and John Mason, who created Ceramic Art Education at various California Institutions like the University of Southern California, Otis Art Institute, and Chouinard Art Institute, Los Angeles. 

Despite being student-run and in a university, the Silverman Art Gallery is very well-known in the community, according to Cho. The Silverman Gallery receives anywhere from 12,000 to 15,000 visitors and 70 to 100 proposals to hold shows annually. 

More information about th Ronald H. Silverman Fine Arts Gallery and its exhibits can be found on their Instagram account, @ronaldhsilvermanfagallery, or through email [email protected].