Artists show off their best in new exhibit at the Hockaday

The Hockaday Museum of Art announces the opening of "Flathead Celebrates Ceramics" on Feb. 10.

An opening reception will be held that evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Artist Charles Davis will perform a Raku firing demonstration during the reception.

"Flathead Celebrates Ceramics", on display through March 4, represents the work of both new and established ceramic artists from the Flathead Valley and beyond.

The exhibition displays works by Sue Abbrescia, Charles Davis, Tom Gilfillan, Cleo Gorton, Betsey Hurd, Gale Marguerite, Robert Markle, Kip Oberton, Ted Ramon, Kitty Rich, Sue Ricklefs, Corbin Ross, Cheryl Ross Ellingson, Brian Rumage, Sherry Wells and Jeff Wilson. The exhibit displays a wide variety of ceramic works and shows that ceramics are not only functional pieces but also works of art.

In conjunction with the exhibit, the Hockaday Museum has produced a map highlighting galleries and studios featuring ceramic artists from Whitefish to Polson. The map will be distributed at the museum and the participating galleries and studios and will acquaint patrons with locations where they can find the works of and learn more about the talented ceramic artists in our area.

Also offered in conjunction with "Flathead Celebrates Ceramics" is a ceramics studio tour. On Feb. 17, tour Robert Markle's studio to get a behind-the-scenes look at one local ceramic artist and the beautiful artwork he creates.

The Markles have built a colony of wooden buildings where life revolves around the seasons of the garden, the drying of the clay, and the firing of the kiln. Markle has distinguished himself as a creator of functional, high-fired stoneware pots with lead-free glazes.

The studio tour will depart from the Hockaday at 1 p.m. and return no later than 5 p.m. Participants may take their own vehicles or ride with museum staff. A $10 donation is requested. Space is limited; call 755-5268 to register.

The Hockaday is located at 302 Second Ave. E. in downtown Kalispell. Admission to the opening reception and daily admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for students, and $1 for youth, with free admission for museum members.

The museum's hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. For more information, call 755-5268 or visit www.hockadaymuseum.org