Grovewood Gallery’s popular invitational exhibition, “Vessels of Merriment,” has returned to celebrate its fourth year, just in time for the holiday shopping season. A variety of handcrafted ceramic drinking vessels are on display and for sale during this show, including goblets, wine cups, tumblers, growlers, and whiskey cups. The pieces were carefully curated from more than 20 exceptional studio potters from across the United States — some of whom rarely show their work in galleries.
Visitors who have attended previous “Vessels of Merriment” exhibits hosted by Grovewood will find recent works by several familiar artists represented by the gallery, alongside the creations of ceramicists from seven different states. Helen Purdum and Lisa Gluckin have both been resident artists at Grovewood Village for at least decade. Reiko Miyagi, who moved to Asheville in 2012, learned pottery in her native country of Japan — and her work has been exhibited at the Smithsonian Craft Show and the Charlotte Mint Museum Potters Invitational.
Anja Bartels hails from Germany, but discovered her passion for pottery while living in an intentional community in Virginia. She returned home to hone her skills at the German Ceramics Guild, before eventually settling in Asheville, where she makes nautically themed porcelain that reflects her upbringing in a port town, and her love of ships and the ocean. Tryon-based potter Samatha Oliver is known for her colorful textural surfaces that feel delightful in the hand, and Madison County potter Camille Morin incorporates nostalgic images onto her porcelain work through a unique lithographic printing process.
As Ashley Van Matre, Grovewood Gallery’s marketing manager, explains, “This exhibition has evolved over the years to include more artists and styles, and is an excellent opportunity to see works by makers we don’t regularly represent — which brings something new and fresh to the gallery.”
Exhibit is on display through Dec. 31. Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Road, Suite 2. www.grovewood.com. 828-214-7768.