Twenty ceramic artists from across the U.S. — including one who has been called “the godmother of ceramics” — are part of an exhibition at the Reuben Saunders Gallery that opens Oct. 4 and is one of the lead-up events to the popular Empty Bowls Wichita chili cook-off and fundraiser later in October.
“These are some well-known artists,” said Brenda Lichman, as she showed a visitor some of the exhibition pieces that were assembled in a back room of the gallery until they are arranged for the exhibition. Lichman, a ceramist and founder of Empty Bowls Wichita, and gallery co-owner Trish VanOsdel were part of a four-member committee that extended exhibition invitations to an exclusive list of artists.
Each artist could submit up to two works for the Wichita Ceramic National exhibit, which will remain on display at the Reuben Saunders Gallery until Oct. 26. The artists were also asked to donate what Lichman calls “upscale” bowls for the Empty Bowls Wichita fundraiser, which will benefit HumanKind Ministries and the ICT Fridge Project.