Work by the late ceramist Daniel Rhodes, a seminal figure in the 20th-century studio art movement, is being shown at Art & Education at the Hoyt in New Castle. A complementary exhibition comprises work by Alfred University alumni who studied at the famed New York state ceramics art school while Mr. Rhodes taught there between 1947 and 1973.
Mr. Rhodes (1911-89) began his career as a painter and was a prolific muralist during the Works Progress Administration years, said Hoyt executive director Kimberly Koller-Jones. When he turned to clay, he began to experiment with both form and technique, developing new glazes and methods that supported the construction of larger sculptural forms. He is the author of five technical books that are still in use by ceramists.
“Impulse to Form: Daniel Rhodes” comprises 22 clay works, 14 paintings and drawings and several dozen archival photographs from a large private Pittsburgh collection. Ms. Koller-Jones and Hoyt Patricia McLatchy selected works that represent the Alfred years.
They also chose the two dozen pieces in the alumni show that are on loan from the artists’ personal collections. Included is Pittsburgher Edward Eberle, who is being given a retrospective exhibition in September by the Society for Contemporary Craft.
The shows continue through Oct. 23 at 124 E. Leasure Ave., New Castle. Hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Exhibition admission is free. The former home of Alex Crawford Hoyt, a circa 1917 Tudor Revival, may be toured between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with advance reservations ($5).
Information: www.hoytartcenter.org or 724-652-2882. both cq
M. Thomas: mthomas@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1925.
First Published: August 24, 2016, 4:00 a.m.
