The Macalester Art Gallery (you know, that light enclave in the center of the humanities building) is currently hosting, Facets of Clay, an exhibition exploring the use of clay as a fine art material through the work of fourteen artists.

The exhibit delves into ten categories of expression in clay. These categories include: Functional (everyday or casual use), Vase (transition between functional and decorative), Decorative (emphasis on decoration), Vessel (containment), Architectural (use of architectural elements in piece, tiles), Object (referential, ritual elements), Modern Sculptural Devices (constructivism, cubism, abstraction), Narrative (tells story through use of text, shapes), Performance/installation (very non-traditional uses of clay) and 3-D Drawing or Painting. Each category has one or more representative artists in this show.

Gary Erickson, Macalester Ceramics Professor, organized this multi-faceted show as an exploration of clay's flexibility as an artistic medium.

“This exhibition is not linked by the works content or process but is intended to show as wide a range as possible and the versatility of this wonderful material,” Erickson said.

Erickson was inspired by a lecture given by Professor Wayne Higby from the New York State College of Ceramics in Alfred, New York, that was titled “Topic in Contemporary Ceramics.” Higby discussed other approaches to clay, other than the traditional functional pottery orientation.

Higby’s piece, Window Rock, is prominently placed in the entryway to the exhibition.

Facets of Clay will only be open until the end of this semester—so, somewhere in between the rush to finals find some time to check it out.

Facets of Clay will be open through Dec. 19. Gallery Hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Thursday until 8 p.m.) and Saturday-Sunday noon to 4 p.m. (651) 696-6416.