Ceramic Museum to open exhibit of Paul Briggs ceramic art, also selections from the ACAM archives
The Alfred Ceramic Art Museum at Alfred University on Feb. 23 will open an exhibit of Paul S. Briggs’s ceramic art, Knot Stories: The Showcase Exhibition. Knot Stories is an exhibition of ceramic sculpture inspired by Black Poetry transmuting stories of suffering into songs of perseverance. In his artist statement Briggs quotes American philosopher-activist Cornell West: “Justice is what love looks like in the public sphere.”
Born in Beacon, NY, Briggs grew up in the Hudson Valley region. He has studied educational theory and policy, art education, theology, sculpture, and ceramics. Along the way he graduated from Alfred University with an M.S.ED degree in 1995 with a concentration in ceramic art. He holds an MFA and a PhD as well. Currently Briggs is a professor at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston.
ACAM Director Wayne Higby comments that Briggs arrived in one of his ceramic classes 29 years ago. “He was of a philosophical mind, and we had many long conversations,” Higby says. “We stayed in touch to this day. Briggs is one of a group of stellar, contemporary ceramic artists doing highly personal and momentous work, and the Museum is honored to have the opportunity to exhibit his sculpture.”
The ACAM will also open on Feb. 23 the exhibition Selections: The Archive, which is a view into the permanent collection of the Alfred Ceramic Art Museum focused on recent acquisitions in context with other major works. The Alfred Ceramic Art Museum at Alfred University houses nearly 8,000 ceramic objects ranging from small pottery shards recovered from ancient civilizations to modern and contemporary ceramic art. This exhibition along with Knot Stories reveals art of the current moment with windows into the flow of history.
Showcase Exhibitions are sponsored by a generous funding gift provided by D. Philip Baker and David R. Bender. An opening reception at the Museum for both exhibitions will be held on Feb 23 from 5 to 7 pm. Everyone is welcome to join the celebration. Refreshment will be served. The Museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.