THE KENTUCKY MUSEUM OF ARTS + DESIGN PRESENTS

AN EXPLORATION OF POLYMER CLAY

Saturday, March 6 – Saturday, April 24, 2004

Opening Reception: Friday, March 5, 2004, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Louisville, KY –The Kentucky Museum of Arts + Design is proud to present An Exploration of Polymer Clay, a unique exhibition showcasing cutting edge art work made of polymer clay.  The exhibition will run March 6 through April 24, 2004, with an opening reception on Friday, March 5 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

“Polymer clay has become one of the most exciting materials in use by contemporary craft artists,” says curator Mary Ellen Furlong.   Simple in theory – a polymer based plastic that hardens in a regular oven – its use and application is far from simple in the hands of a creative artist. 

 “Our goal in producing this exhibition is to showcase polymer clay as a fine art medium, on a level playing field with traditional fine art media such as graphite or oil paint.  We intend to do so by exhibiting work that goes beyond the trend of using polymer clay to focus on surface decoration and technique.  We have invited artists to submit work that challenges the perception of polymer clay and expands the vocabulary of the art form beyond the decorative.  We are inviting diverse artists from across the U.S. to participate, ranging from artists well known for polymer clay work to some who never have used it but who are highly accomplished with other media,” says Furlong. 

Participating artists include VAharoni, Jody Bishel, Leslie Blackford, Webster Colcord, Louise Fischer Cozzi, Jeff Dever, Katherine Dewey, Grant Diffendaffer, Jenny Dowd, Celie Fago, Wayne Ferguson, Shane Fero, Jacqueline Gikow, Victoria E. Hughes, Donna Kato, John King, Natalya Korchyemkina, Karyn Kozak, James Lehman, Tom Pfannerstill, Nan Roche, Inna Rogova, Scott Scarboro, Anne Schaff, Joyce Scott, Marie Segal, J. M. Syron and Bonnie Bishoff, Cynthia Toops, Timothy Winkler, Elise Winters, Karen Woods and Carol S. Zilliacus.

Various hands-on workshops will be offered during the exhibition including “Something Different with Polymer Clay” with James Lehman, “Mokume Gane with Rubber Stamps” with Nan Roche, and “Captured Foil Faux Lacquer” with Nan Roche. All workshops will be held at the Museum and cost $30 each. Those interested in attending are asked to call 502.589.0155 Ext. 208 to register.

An Exploration of Polymer Clay will be on view from March 6 to April 24, 2004 in the Steve Wilson Gallery at the Kentucky Museum of Arts + Design at 715 W. Main Street. 

The opening reception will be held in conjunction with the First Friday Trolley Hop on Friday, March 5, 2004 from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Admission is free. 

For more information about the exhibition, contact the Kentucky Museum of Arts + Design at 502.589.0102 or log on to www.kentuckyarts.org. Museum hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or by appointment.