On The Rocks | Juried by Pete Pinnell

January, 19 – February 25, 2018

In Pewabic's third call-for-entry exhibition, esteemed educator and prolific maker Pete Pinnell juried more than 500 entries to create an exhibition in celebration of vessels for and related to drinking.

Visitors experienced a vast scope of work from artists as far as Singapore. Works included everything from shot glasses and sipping cups to goblets, pitchers, jugs and even a pour-over system. 

“On one hand drinking seems like something fairly simple and straightforward, but it encompasses so many traditions and practices,” says Pinnell. “It’s so varied in terms of its importance to ordinary drinking to times that are meaningful and special. I think that’s reflected in the work and the personal expressions of those that applied.”

Pinnell awarded first place to Katie Bosley for White Double-Walled Cup; second place to Andrew McIntyre with Celadon Striped Mug; and third place to Mike Stumbras for Lost Age Mug. Pinnell also noted work by Christopher Mayse, Ray Morales, and Stephanie Osser with honorable mentions.

Pete Pinnell made his living as a potter for 12 years before moving to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he is currently Professor of Art. In addition to his teaching, he has continued to exhibit widely, with more than 120 exhibitions since 1995. 

Pinnell’s work has appeared throughout the U.S., and in the Netherlands, South Africa, Japan, China, New Zealand and Australia. Images of his work have appeared in a number of noted ceramic books, Clay Times magazine, Ceramics Monthly, Studio Potter, and Purple Sand, a Taiwanese ceramics journal. An in-depth article about his work appeared in Ceramics: Art and Perception, a noted Australian Magazine, in 2001. In March of 2001 he was a featured artist at the NCECA national conference, where he spoke and demonstrated. He has also been an active writer on ceramic art, with articles in American and Australian ceramic journals, and a regular column, "As far as I know...," which appears in Clay Times magazine.

Read more about Pete Pinnell on our blog.