'Hands on Clay' was established in 2020, during the midst of the pandemic, with the aim of promoting the use of ancestral ceramic techniques among Cuban artists belonging to the Rodriguez Collection. In May, the collector Leonardo Rodríguez, founder of the Kendall Art Center, personally invited around fifty artists who regularly collaborated with the center to create artworks using ceramics, specifically focusing on plates. The call for participation had a secondary practical intention. Beyond exploring the creative potential of ceramics beyond its purely utilitarian and decorative functions, the initiative would enable the artists to commercialize their work in the midst of exceptionally challenging circumstances due to the isolation and economic paralysis caused by the COVID crisis.
This initial call resulted in dozens of valuable artworks. The diverse group of creators, who typically worked on canvas, were able to transfer their art to a novel medium. The mere production of nearly half a thousand artistic ceramic plates drew attention to the preservation of a tradition that, while not critically endangered, is gradually receiving less attention from the new generations of artists.
The exhibition where these pieces were displayed was called 'Fine Arts on the Plate' and was inaugurated on November 27, 2020. It can be considered the foundational event of the 'Hands on Clay' program. All the artworks were created in the newly set up workshop adjacent to the main halls of the former Kendall Art Center and were exhibited throughout its spaces. According to curator Carol Damian, the exhibition "marked a continuation of Cuban ceramic traditions achieved by various artists at different stages of their careers and levels of experience" and "they used ceramics to continue their personal aesthetics and style while integrating their natural expression with the new circular supports."
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The Fine Art Ceramic Center and the Miami Ceramic League are joining forces to promote the appreciation of ceramic arts, educate their members and the general public in all aspects of this unique artistic expression. In collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art of the Americas in Kendall, the Miami Ceramic League presented its annual exhibition, including the participation of master ceramicist Tom Coleman, who offered a keynote speech about his work and creative and motivational experiences. A significant group of creators enjoyed an evening of several hours where they exchanged experiences and showcased their latest creations to the guests.
Ceramic League of Miami: Artist Talk. In collaboration with the Ceramic League of Miami, the Museum of Contemporary Art of the Americas (formerly known as the Kendall Art Cultural Center), and the Fine Arts Ceramic Center is proud to host Joe Robinson's, master potter and artist, artist talk and presentation. MoCAA and FACC is dedicated to supporting South Florida's local ceramic artists and organizations, spreading appreciation and education on the ceramic arts.
In collaboration with the University of Miami's ceramic and fine arts department, the KACC is proud to present professor Carlos E Prado's exhibition TAUTOLOGIES, as part of our annual program SOFLO New Art. This exhibition presents his most recent series of ceramic works. These sculptures have been made using 3D modeling software and the 3D clay printer, a technology that is still considered new in ceramics. The title, “Tautologies,” refers to the connection between the meaning of the term and the way in which the content of the pieces unfolds.
MOAS After Hours: Beyond the Plate. In collaboration with the Museum of Arts & Sciences, Daytona, the Kendall Art Center and the Fine Arts Ceramic Center is pleased to participate in AfterHours to talk to the Daytona community about our exhibition Beyond the Plate a selection of plates, murals and installations from the Rodriguez Ceramics Collection.
This exhibition of ceramic plates by more than 50 Cuban artists accomplishes many things. It marks a continuation of Cuban ceramic traditions achieved by various artists in different stages of their careers and levels of experience. They all respect the media and use the many techniques involved in shaping and firing to create unique pieces, often experimental. Curated by Carol Damian with the mission of champion the art, history, creation, and evolution of ceramics through outreach, and studio programming.