Artists Chris Drobnock and Scott McClellan from the Clay Studio of Missoula presented their artwork to students and community members on Sept. 13, 2018, at the University of Montana Western, commencing the art gallery opening show of the fall semester.
Aja Mujinga Sherrard, Assistant Art Professor and Gallery Coordinator, introduced Drobnock and McClellan, highlighting their dedication and creative work at the Clay Studio of Missoula located in Missoula, Mont.
The Clay Studio of Missoula strives to provide the general public with affordable access to high-quality ceramic art instruction. They offer a wide range of ceramics classes and workshops to all ages, provide local ceramicists affordable access to studio space and professional quality equipment, and even offer internships.
Chris Drobnock began his ceramics studies at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. He received his BFA with a dual concentration in Ceramics and Printmaking at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and has worked as both a studio/lab technician and an independent studio potter and sculptor in Pennsylvania. In 2016, Chris completed his MFA at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
Drobnock works with various mediums using porcelain, clay, and paint in many sculptures. “Objects have conversations with each other. I want to show how people interact. Chairs have legs and backs, just like humans. I want to capture relationships,” said Drobnock while sharing the background of one of his pieces.
Scott received his BFA in ceramics from Utah State University. After graduating he worked as a studio technician at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. He then served as a resident artist at Taos Clay in New Mexico. He recently graduated from the University of Missouri with his MFA in ceramics and a minor in sculpture.
“I am using the dirt beneath our feet while trying to make clay look like clay, although mimicking earth tones is difficult to achieve. I want things to look natural and untouched, just how the formations look in Utah where I grew up,” said McClellan as he explained his inspiration for most of his works.
If you are interested in learning more about the Clay Studio of Missoula, please visit the studio’s website.
Jason Clark will exhibit his work in the Montana Western Fine Arts Gallery from October 8 to November 2.
The Fine Arts Gallery is currently displaying works featuring Missoula-based printmaker Jason Clark.
The show will be open from Monday, Oct. 8 to Friday, Nov. 2, during gallery hours Monday-Friday from 1-3 p.m.
Clark’s work explores contemporary cultural issues, environmental issues, indigenous mythology and postcolonial identity through bold line-work, vivid color, and evocative forms.
There will be an artist’s lecture on Thursday, Nov. 1, at 5 p.m. in Main Hall room 319 followed by a reception in the Fine Arts Gallery at 6 p.m.
The opening will also feature additions to the permanent collection including works by Monte Dolack, Edward Curtis and Salvador Dali.
The event is free and open to the public, and complimentary refreshments will be served.
In December, a special show will be held featuring the work of Montana Western’s Fine Arts faculty members.
