June 6 – July 7

Fire in Many Forms

The Berkeley Arts Council iannounces “Fire in Many Forms” on exhibit from June 6 through July 7 at the Berkeley Art Works Gallery, 116 North Queen Street in Martinsburg. The exhibit is curated by ceramic artist and Berkeley Art Works Co-op member Annette Verna.

The exhibit presents six ceramic artists, each working with different firing methods, including Raku, Salt, Soda, Wood, and Smoke firing. The artists’ kilns range from simple containers to more sophisticated gas and wood-fired kilns. While these atmospheric firings can be unpredictable, the pieces on display demonstrate the typical and fascinating characteristics of each type of firing and the mastery with which these artists work with fire. In contrast to the fired work, the show also features some unfired work.

The artists represented are all working ceramic artists hailing from our region of West Virginia, as well as New York State, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. The goals of the exhibit are to describe the artists’ diverse work and interests, and introduce the community to a variety of firing techniques. After visiting this show, you’ll leave with new thoughts about the many ways ceramic artists work in clay, and the knowledge to identify and appreciate these types of firings when you see them.

Meet the artists at an opening reception on Friday, June 8 from 5-7pm. Gallery hours are Wed-Fri 11-5, Sat 11-4.