Upstream of the Confluence

In conjunction with the “Cultural Confluence” woodfire symposium in Helena Oct. 18-20, Montana State University will extend the celebration of woodfire traditions to Bozeman, highlighting the evolution and convergence of woodfire practices in creation of the contemporary. The exhibition takes place in three different locations across campus including the Helen E. Copeland Gallery, the Waller-Yoblonsky Gallery, the Exit Gallery, and the Beyond Gallery (a new pop-up space that will be on display outside of the Waller-Yoblonsky the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 16 during the exhibit reception). Each gallery will showcase unique collections of woodfired ceramics created by Montana State students, alumni or staff, ranging in date from 1945 to present.
The Helen E. Copeland Gallery exhibition, “East Fork,” curated by Ella Watson, Josh DeWeese, and Dean Adams, will display alumni and faculty work including pieces by Rudy Autio, Peter Voulkos, professor emeritus Frances Senska, professors Adams and DeWeese, and many former students Oct. 1-25.
The Waller-Yoblonsky Gallery hosts “West Fork,” showcasing art by current MFA students from Oct. 14-19. The “Middle Fork in the Beyond Gallery,” a mobile gallery in a 1987 MCI Motor Coach, showcases student works for one night only, Oct. 16.
The Exit Gallery in the SUB hosts“Downstream Downfire,” showcasing undergraduate woodfire ceramics Oct. 15-26 with a reception 5-6:30 p.m. Oct. 17. The MSU Ceramic Guild shows their collected woodfired work, exhibiting different techniques of firing and uses of clay.