Gallery 308 to Show "New Ceramics Work"

"New Ceramics Work" by Neal and Bates opens at Gallery 308 for First Thursday March 6.

Between them they have a wealth of experience—and a wealth of talent. "Ben Bates and Ted Neal: New Ceramics Work" will showcase the talents of these two ceramicists when their new exhibit opens March 6 at Gallery 308.

Neal is an assistant professor of art at Ball State; Bates is a Ceramics Studio Artist living in Libertyville, Illinois and a ceramics instructor at the College of Lake County (Illinois).

The opening reception for the pair's new exhibit is First Thursday, March 6 at the Gallery. The Gallery is located at 308 East Main in downtown Muncie. Admission to the 5:00 reception is free; light refreshments will be provided.

Neal enjoys working in a dichotomy of styles. He is currently exploring both utility and sculpture within the realm of the clay vessel. Themes that dominate his sculptural work are the "proliferation of mass-produced industrial objects, the modern need for portability, and the veneration of the commonplace." He is especially interested in objects that are discarded or have disappeared into the background—objects that have gone from useful to garbage and sometimes back again.

Bates is interested in the functional format as a realm of exploration but strives to transcend the utilitarian boundaries and function as sculptural elements. He uses the ideals of the vessel to clarify design and explore form as it relates to space. "To me, working in clay is more about composition, proportion and surface than it is about efficiency of use."

Neal focuses on the fluidity of the clay during the forming processes. Its ability to stretch and twist is of great interest to the artist. He breaks potential forms into their component parts and reassembles them in innovative ways. Much of this takes place in his sketches and drawings.

Bates likes to manipulate the "plasticity" of clay. He contrasts it by introducing hard edges and lines that interrupt and accentuate the flow of that softness. "I also want the skin of my pieces to heighten the viewer's awareness of the interior volume and function as a canvas for color and decoration." This often means that the surfaces undergo sandblasting and multiple firings.

Neal earned his M.F.A. in Ceramics at Southern Illinois University (Edwardsville, IL) and holds a B.F.A. from Utah State University and an A.A.S. from Brigham Young University in Rexburg, Idaho. He has been head of the Ceramics Area at Ball State since 2006. Prior to coming to Ball State, he taught at Utah State. His recent exhibitions include 2007 shows at the Atrium Gallery (Ball State), Melwood Art Center in Louisville, KY (2007), and the University of Louisville, to name just a few. His work has been seen in this area at the Charlie Cummings Clay Studio in Ft. Wayne, at the Artist Within, and at numerous galleries in Utah and Pennsylvania. His work has received many awards.

Ben Bates was born in Southern California, received degrees from Southern Illinois University (MFA) and the Kansas Art City Art Institute (BFA). He was head resident ceramic artist at Crabtree Farm (a living museum in Lake Bluff, IL) and lead consultant for the construction of the Sterling Hall Ceramics Center in Lake Forest, IL. His work has been featured at various exhibits throughout California, Pennsylvania, New Castle, Iowa and Illinois. In addition to his teaching assignment at the College of Lake County, Bates is adjunct faculty for Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, IL. His work was exhibited in the past year in Iowa City; Edwardsville, IL; Grayslake, IL; Rochester, NY; St. Louis, MO; Lancaster, PA; and St. Charles, IL; and can be found in numerous private collections as well.

Gallery 308 is a 501(c)(3) community art gallery which exists to provide exhibition space for artists, encourage innovative work and serve the community as a cultural and educational resource. The Gallery opens a new exhibit every First Thursday. Contributions to Gallery 308 are tax-deductible. For more information about gallery hours, volunteer and donor opportunities, please call 765-289-8575.