Earth and Fire

"Earth and Fire"

PITTSBURGH, PA - The Associated Artists of Pittsburgh present, "Earth and Fire" at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, March 14 - April 13, 2008, Reception, March 20, 2008 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm

Think dirtymuddy dirty think earth, clay, fire! The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts is having their national convention in Pittsburgh this March, bringing many artists from around the nation to the area. The Associated Artists of Pittsburgh participates in this special conference with "Earth and Fire," our second show at Pittsburgh Center for the Arts for 2008. The show runs from March 14 through April 13, with an artist's reception on Thursday, March 20, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, to coincide with other NCECA tours and events. Thisexhibition is part of Cera[m!x], launched by Manchester Craftsmen's Guild after its designation as site host organization for the NCECA's 2008 conference, and is one of many special events in several venues presenting exhibits and demonstrations with a clay theme.

The challenge to AAP members was to think dirty! The members were asked to think outside the kiln, and create up to three pieces of art in any media, including 3-D, with "Earth and Fire" as an integral part of the piece. The works did not have to be made from clay, they could be a painting, a drawing, an assemblage, fibers the options were wide open, as long as "Earth and Fire" is somehow featured or represented in the piece. The exhibit includes 93 pieces by 55 Associated Artists members, represents all media, and yes, does include some actual ceramics!

"We were not sure what we were going to get when we put out this challenge," said exhibit Chair Luise Davis. "But our artists certainly did not disappoint. They produced some really wonderful pieces that pushed the limits, while still fitting the theme."

AAP today consists of almost 450 artist members who live within a 150-mile radius of Pittsburgh and are creators who use all varieties of visual arts media. The purpose of the Association has remained throughout the years, "to foster a love of the fine arts and to inculcate a true appreciation of what Pittsburgh artists do for the advancement of art."