Tea in a Flower Garden by Steve Loucks & Lynette Hesser

Tea in a Flower Garden

by Steve Loucks & Lynette Hesser

Feb 25 - Mar 31 Opening

Reception Feb 25 7-9 pm

The Walnut Gallery is proud to present the work of artists Steve Loucks and Lynette Hesser. The exhibition will feature a wide range of ceramic objects including; traditional functional pottery, elaborately carved sculptural pottery, wall hanging sculpture and an interactive happening during the opening. Guests at the opening will be invited to participate in the creation of a work that will be on display in the gallery during the exhibition.

Steve Loucks is a studio potter and Full Professor of Art at JSU. He received his MFA from New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred. He was awarded a Fellowship in Crafts from the Alabama State Council in the Arts in 2000 and 2008, and a National Endowment for the Arts in 1995 and 1996. He exhibits his work nationally in invitational and juried competitions. Loucks has led many workshops, which include Penland School of Crafts and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Steve, with the help of his wife, Lynnette Hesser, has hosted the Alabama Clay Conference three times. He has been a Topical Group Discussion Leader several times for the National Council on the Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) and was also a “Glaze Doctor”.

Artist Statement

My work plays upon traditional pottery forms that transcend function while embracing it. Divided between utilitarian pottery and glorified, functional vessels, both intentions share similar sensibilities and handling of the clay. Information and ideas from one intention feeds the other. My utilitarian pottery is elegantly or whimsically designed to perform with ease and delight making the everyday occasion a special, pleasurable experience. The glorified vessels are based upon functional pouring vessels but abandon utilitarian concerns for a sculptural approach to form, surface embellishment, and presentation. They pay homage to utilitarian pottery due to its diminishing use, roll, and importance in our present day society.

Steve and Lynnette often work in symbiotic collaboration. Often Steve makes the forms which he then releases to Lynnette who carves into the forms or embellishes them with geometric and floral designs. Together, they glaze and fire the pieces to complete their collaborative works in clay.

In conjunction with the exhibition Steve and Lynette will teach a demonstration workshop on March 19th. The workshop will include wheel throwing demonstrations and hand carving techniques. You can register online for the workshop at http://www.walnutgallery.org/workshops.php

Walnut Gallery will also host a special fund-raising event, "Walnut Gala", on Saturday, March 26, starting at 6:30 pm. Admission to the event is limited to only 50 tickets. Each ticket will allow the holder (and one guest) admission to Walnut Gala where there will be live music and a meet-and-greet with featured artists Steve Loucks and Lynette Hesser. Wine and heavy hors d' oeuvres will also be served. In addition, each ticket will also be redeemable at the event for an exclusive, one-of-a-kind ceramic bowl, hand-made by artist Steve Loucks specifically for the Walnut Gala. "This is a rare opportunity to not only support the arts, but to take home a piece of functional fine-art made by one of the Southeast's premier ceramicists," said Executive Director Mario Gallardo. Tickets are available for a $50 minimum donation with all proceeds going directly to Walnut Gallery to support future exhibitions, workshops, and events.

To purchase your Walnut Gala ticket online visit http://www.walnutgallery.org/event.php?v=1103gala

Steve Loucks and Lynette Hesser own the Potter's Shed studio in Wellington AL.