SAN DIEGO, CA  - Ongoing

In conjunction with its current exhibition, Artes de México, Mingei International Museum in San Diego CA  has mounted a superb small exhibition of Mata Ortiz pottery drawn from the collections of James P. Kemp, MD, and Judith A. Kemp,  DO.  There is no closing date (the exhibition will be up until a replacement is decided upon). A further treat at the moment is the exhibition, VENINI Glass and Design--in a World Perspective, featuring work of Italo Scanga, Dale Chihuly and others. The Museum, located on the Plaza de Panama in San Diego's Balboa Park near the Museum of Man, is open daily 10-4 except Mondays. Admission: $5 adults, $2 young people 6-17 or students with ID. Contact Martha Ehringer (619-239-0003, 239-0605 Fax), Director of Public Relations.

GENESEO, NY  - Ongoing

The School of Performing Arts, State University of New York (SUNY) Geneseo, has mounted in the lobby of Brogie Hall on Park Street a permanent exhibition of 130 pieces of Mata Ortiz pottery from the private collection of musician Alan Case. Contact Alan Case (716-243-4616) by phone or better by email  <case@geneseo.edu>

BLANDING, UTAH:  August 2, 2001 thru March of 2002  [Note changed closing]The Edge of the Cedars State Park

Museum is host to an exhibition, "Transcending Boundaries; The Potters of Mata Ortiz," featuring more than 90 pieces of Mata Ortiz ceramics chosen from the private collection of Bill and Sue Hensler. Included are text and photo panels presenting the full prehistoric and contemporary context of the Mata Ortiz art phenomenon. A charming exhibit with a personal touch. Admission $3/person or $5/car. Museum hours: Summer (May 16 - Sept 15) 8 a.m.-

8 p.m.; Winter (Sept 16 - May 15) 9 a.m - 5 p.m. Contact Teri Paul (435-678-2238), Curator of Education, at the Museum, 660 W. 400 North, Blanding UT 84511.  <nrdpr.tpaul@state.ut.us>

ALBUQUERQUE, NM: February 10 - April 28, 2002

The Albuquerque Museum will host a traveling exhibition, "The Road to Aztlán; Art from a Mythical Land." Organized by the Los Angeles Country Museum of Art (LACMA), the exhibition highlights cultural exchange between the American Southwest and Mexico from prehistoric times to the present. (Aztlán is the mythical Aztec place of origin.)  Besides 20 extraordinary examples of ancient Casas Grandes pottery, two contemporary pieces from Mata Ortiz are shown, one by Juan Quezada and one by Hector and Graciela Gallegos. The exhibition features an outstanding illustrated catalog with important text (see below under "Publications" for ordering information). Admission free. Museum hours: 9-5 except closed Monday. Contact Ellen Landis (505-243-7255) at the Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque NM 87104. <mnason@cabq.gov>  http://www.cabq.gov/museum/

IDYLLWILD, CA:  February 23 - March  ?

Idyllwild Arts will host "A Ceramic Odyssey," an exhibition of more than 70 selected pieces from Walter and Betty Parks' ceramics collected over the last half-century. The collection includes work from Japan (Shoji Hamada), England (Lucy Ried, Bernard and David Leach), Nigeria, the American Southwest (María Martínez, Priscilla Nampeyo, Blue Corn, Lucy Lewis), and Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua. Betty Parks was an active potter for 25 years. Walter is the author of The Miracle of Mata Ortiz: Juan Quezada and the Potters of Northern Chihuahua. Now in its sixth printing, The Miracle is the definitive history of that art phenomenon. Events on opening day will include a luncheon, dedication of the new Parks Exhibition Center, an evening reception and cultural activities yet to be announced. Contact Jill Burbich (909-659-2171, Ext. 332), Director of Development, Idyllwild Arts, Box 38, Idyllwild CA 92549.  www.idyllwildarts.org.

EL PASO, TEXAS  April 15 - May 31, 2002

The Los Paisanos Gallery, a major regional gallery located at the Chamizal, will host an exhibition of more than 30 outstanding works of Juan Quezada and other leading artists of Mata Ortiz. The exhibition is being assembled by Mayté Luján, owner of the Galería Las Guacamayas, in Casas Grandes, Chihuahua. Promoted by the Mexican Consulate of El Paso, the exhibition may be enriched by a display of sepia photomurals prepared by the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH) showing the cultural context and historic background of the Mata Ortiz art phenomenon. Arrangements are under way for speakers and for demonstrations of the unique methods of pottery making, decorating and firing innovated in the village, principally by Juan Quezada. A reception for the public to meet the artists is tentatively set for Thursday evening, April 25th,  5-7 p.m. Contact Virginia Ness (915-532-7273 X102), exhibits coordinator, Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial, El Paso TX 79905

 

 

January 10-12

TUCSON, AZ: Symposium on archaeology of northwest Mexico

The 8th Biennial Southwest Symposium on "Society and Politics in the Greater Southwest" will devote Saturday morning to a series of papers on the theme, "Forty Years after the Joint Casas Grandes Project." Symposium paper sessions and posters will be in the Leo Rich Theater at the Tucson Convention Center in downtown Tucson, Friday and Saturday. Registration $65 Thursday 7-9 p.m. in the lobby of the Presidio Plaza Hotel, 181 W. Broadway. A reception will be held Friday evening 5:30-7:30 at the Arizona State Museum on the University of Arizona campus in conjunction with a new Southwest archaeology exhibit. Several field trips have been arranged for Sunday for those able to stay over. Program of the symposium can be found at: http://w3.arizona.edu/~anthro/2002Symposium/schedule.html.

January 12

LAS CRUCES, NM: Slide talk and discussion by Spencer MacCallum

   

The Institute of Historical Survey Foundation will host a slide talk by Spencer MacCallum at 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon at the Double Eagle Restaurant in Old Mesilla. Mr. MacCallum, who played a central role in the development of the Mata Ortiz pottery phenomenon, will talk about the early years of the movement. Collectors of Mata Ortiz or prehistoric Casas Grandes pottery are encouraged to bring pieces they would like to show or have identified or authenticated. Contact Evan Davies (505-525-3035) at the Institute, Box 36, Mesilla Park NM 88047; <ihsf@zianet.com>

January 12-13

SANTA MONICA, CA:  Indian show featuring Mata Ortiz pottery

The semi-annual Santa Monica Indian Art Show at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St (corner of Pico) in Santa Monica, Saturday 11-7 pm and Sunday 11-5 pm, will feature selections of Mata Ortiz pottery by four different traders, Dora Ceballos (310-521-1803), Ed/Arthela Cummings (562-598-6615), Clive Kincaid, and Herman Knechtle (626-791-1809). Contact Kim R. Martindale (440-331-6206),  KR Martindale Show Management,  19251 N. Sagamore Rd, Fairview Park OH 44126. <krmartindale@earthlink.net>)

January 29-31

PHOENIX, AZ:  Workshop, talks by Juan Quezada and Spencer MacCallum

Paradise Valley College will offer 18 ceramics students a hands-on pottery workshop with Juan Quezada on three successive afternoons at the Art Studio (ceramics professor David Bradley) from 12:30 to 3 p.m. On the third day, Thursday, at 6 p.m., Spencer MacCallum will show slides of and talk about the beginning years of the Mata Ortiz pottery phenomenon, and at 7 p.m., Mr. Quezada will give an informal half-hour talk on his view of the future of ceramic arts in Mata Ortiz and Mexico. All events are free to the public as observers on a space available basis. Mr. Quezada's visit, originally scheduled for December 4-6, 2001, will conclude the Mexican Artists Project, a series of fall semester presentations including life painter Erika Harrasch (Oct 8), art humanities Prof. Gene Rister on preColumbian art, Maya: Masters of Time (Oct 11), and  glass sculptor Ana Thiel (Nov 26-27). Concurrently the College will hold a Mexican film festival with Frida Kahlo (October 4 @ 5:30); Danzón (Oct 18), Macario: The "Day of the Dead" (Nov 1); and Reed: Mexico Insurgente (Nov 15). Contact Michele Marion (602-787-7296 or 6625), Director of International Education, Paradise Valley Community College, 18401 N. 32nd Street at Union Hills, Phoenix  AZ 85032.  <michele.marion@pvmail.maricopa.edu

February 1-3

PHOENIX AZ: Wholesale pottery

The Oasis Gift Show at the Phoenix Civic Plaza, 225 E. Adams Street, will have displays of Mata Ortiz pottery. Participating traders are Clive Kincaid, Designer Imports, Pagosa Springs CO, and Eidell Wasserman (775-345-2206), Blue Corn Gallery, Verdi, NV. Wholesale only. For information contact Oasis at 800-424-9519.

February 3

FULLERTON, CA: Slide talk by Walter Parks

The Fullerton Public Library, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 3rd, will offer a slide lecture by Walter Parks, author of The Miracle of Mata Ortiz. Mr. Parks will talk about and show slides of the little Mexican village whose artists, largely self-taught, have caught the attention of the international art world. Sponsored by the Fullerton Public Library Foundation, the lecture will be held in the auditorium of the main branch of the Library at 353 W. Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton CA 92832. Admission $10. Contact Terry Brick (714-529-4673) <torcbrick@juno.com>

February 10 - April 28

ALBUQUERQUE, NM:  Mata Ortiz and prehistoric Casas Grandes ceramics in a traveling exhibition originating at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). See description under "Exhibitions" above.

February 21-23

YUMA AZ:  23rd Annual Yuma Symposium, slide presentation by Michael Wisner

The Yuma Symposium, a complex event staged annually by artists for artists, will include a slide talk by Michael Wisner, "Juan Quezada and the Potters of Mata Ortiz" (day and time not set). Wisner, on the art faculty at Anderson Ranch, Snowmass CO, and a protégé of Juan Quezada, will trace the development of the various inventions, innovations and processes in Mata Ortiz to arrive at today's still evolving technique. Aesthetic innovations will be emphasized. Another presenter well-known to Mata Ortiz aficianados will be Bill Gilbert, speaking on mixed-media sculpture: "Investigations of the Heart/Mind: Video Installation and Mud." The interdisciplinary, mixed-media Yuma Symposium draws about 250 artists from all over the country. Besides 12 presenters in all different media (e.g. metals, jewelry, ceramics, painting and drawing, paper and print making, automata, photography, sculpture), many eclectic activities are planned, ending with a barbecue and a dance on the roof of a theater. Registration ($85) will be from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at Lute's Casino on the Main Street Plaza. For information and program, contact Neely Tomkins (Voice 520-782-1934, Fax 928-782-5934), The One-Percent Gallery, 78 W. 2nd Street, Yuma AZ 85364  <mudbender@aol.com>

February 23

IDYLLWILD, CA: Opening of the Walter and Betty Parks ceramics exhibition

Idyllwild Arts will host a day of events including the dedication of the newly built Parks Exhibition Center and celebrating the opening of "A Ceramic Odyssey," an exhibition of more than 70 selected pieces from Walter and Betty Parks' ceramics collected over the last 50 years. The collection includes work from Japan (Shoji Hamada), England (Lucy Ried, Bernard and David Leach), Nigeria, the American Southwest (María Martínez, Priscilla Nampeyo, Blue Corn, Lucy Lewis), and Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua. Betty Parks was an active potter for 25 years. Walter is the author of The Miracle of Mata Ortiz: Juan Quezada and the Potters of Northern Chihuahua. Now in its sixth printing, The Miracle is the definitive history of that art phenomenon. Events throughout the day will include a luncheon, an evening reception, dedication of the Exhibition Center, and other activities to be announced. Contact Jill Burbich (909-659-2171, Ext. 332), Director of Development, Idyllwild Arts, Box 38, Idyllwild CA 92549.  www.idyllwildarts.org.

February 23-24

SAN RAFAEL, CA: Pottery exhibit and sale

The 18th Annual Marin Indian Art Show, at the Marin Civic Center, featuring antique and contemporary art from all of the Americas including Precolumbian, Spanish Colonial and Native American, will have for the fourth year running selections of Mata Ortiz pottery. Traders participating will be Ron Goebel (805-473-2894), Tony Gonis (925-462-5794), Clive Kincaid (970-264-0060), and Herman Knechtle (626-791-1809). Saturday 10-6 p.m., Sunday 11-5. Contact Kim R. Martindale (440-331-6206),  K.R. Martindale Show Mgt., 19251 N. Sagamore Rd, Fairview Park OH 44126. <krmartindale@earthlink.net>)  michelle

March 10-16

MATA ORTIZ, CHIH.:  Students' cultural event

The Verde Valley School, Sedona, Arizona, will take ten students for two weeks of cultural immersion in Mexico. From March 3-9, they live at an orphanage in Agua Prieta while doing several service projects including helping with a "soup kitchen" that provides a meal for any child (and his parents if they are along) who is in school; operating an art program for the orphan girls; and assisting with  food distribution to the barrios. The second week, from March 10-16, they'll be in Mata Ortiz, living with families (Dora and Rosa Quezada) and learning the whole technology of pottery making, from digging and preparing the clay to firing. Contact ceramics teacher Jeff Perkins (520-284-2272), Verde Valley School, 3511 Verde Valley School Rd, Sedona, AZ 86351. <crisp@verdevalleyschool.org>  www.verdevalleyschool.org

March 19

MATA ORTIZ, CHIH:  Dances honoring San José, patron saint of Mata Ortiz

"Matachine" dances are traditional on certain saint's days in northern Mexico and the American Southwest. These devotional dances are centuries old and blend both Catholic and Indian religious elements. They may follow a night of vigil in the church or a chapel . Individuals often participate in fulfillment of a vow to the saint for help received, staying up all night for the vigil and then dancing all day until dark, which becomes a test of spiritual commitment and physical endurance. Visitors are always welcome.

March 29

MATA ORTIZ, CHIH:  Parade in the village

Good Friday is generally observed in Mata Ortiz with a parade winding through several barrios of the pueblo and ending at the church.

March 30 (date tentative)

IDYLLWILD, CA: Benefit pottery demonstration by Jorge Quintana

Maureen Jones, a long-time friend of Tom Fresh, a major source of energy behind the Mata Ortiz pottery phenomenon now convalescing from a serious illness, will host at her home a pottery demonstration and sale by master potter Jorge Quintana. A portion of the proceeds will assist Tom's convalescence in the village of San Francisco ("San Pancho"), Nayarit, Mexico. Contact Maureen Jones (909-659-4224H; 236-1605 Cell), 53155 Tollgate Road, Idyllwild CA 92549

April  (date to be announced)

TOME, NEW MEXICO: Pottery Workshop with Cesar/Gabriela Dominguez

Tome Clay, a gallery and teaching studio located on the east side of the Rio Grande 23 miles south of Albuquerque at Tome (Rte 304), will hold its third workshop with master potters Cesar and Gabriela Dominguez. All aspects of the distinctive Mata Ortiz methods of forming, surface preparation, painting and firing of pottery will be taught. Limit 12 students. Tuition $200. A selection of Mata Ortiz pottery will be on exhibit and available for sale. Contact Jan Pacifico (505-866-0582), Box 131, Tome NM 87060  <potluck55@aol.com>

April 15 - May 31

EL PASO, TEXAS: Major exhibition of Mata Ortiz art. See above under "Exhibitions."

April 27-28

DEL MAR, CA:  Indian Show featuring Mata Ortiz pottery

The second annual Del Mar American Indian Art Show at the Del Mar Fair Grounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar 92014, Saturday  11-7 pm and Sunday  11-5 pm., will feature selections of Mata Ortiz pottery by traders Ed and Arthela Cummings (562-598-6615),  and Herman Knechtle (626-791-1809). Contact Kim R. Martindale (440-331-6206)  <krmartindale@earthlink.net>)

May 13 through January 2003

SAN DIEGO, CA: Exhibition of regional folk arts of Mexico

The San Diego Museum of Man will present a major Mexican folk art exhibition Hecho en México: Mexican Folk Art. Visitors to the Museum of Man will experience a visual "shopping trip" to each of the 32 states in Mexico with representative samplings of the best artisans.  Mata Ortiz pottery will be shown from the state of Chihuahua. The objective of the exhibition is to distinguish artistic works by location rather than by materials or function, providing a guide to Mexico through the art produced. Museum hours 10-5:15 (ticket sales stop at 4:30). Admission adults $6, seniors 65 and over $5, young people 6-17 $3, and children under 6 free. Contact Grace Johnson (619-239-2001) at the Museum, 1350 El Prado, San Diego CA 92101. (gjohnson@museumofman.org

May 20-31

SNOWMASS, COLORADO: Juan Quezada resident artist

Anderson Ranch from time to time invites noteworthy artists to be guests in residence for a two month period. A recent ceramic artist was Takashi Nakazato,  living national treasure of Japan and 14th generation Tarahatsu potter. Following in this fine tradition, Juan Quezada has been invited to be an artist in residence and has accepted for a shorter period, the last two weeks of May, 2002, just prior to a conducting his second annual workshop at the Ranch with Michael Wisner. Contact Michael Wisner (970-923-3091), Box 5493, Snowmass, CO 81615  <mikewiz@earthlink.net> http://southwestpottery.com

June 3-14

SNOWMASS, COLORADO: Workshop with Juan Quezada and Michael Wisner

Anderson Ranch again will sponsor a two-week intensive workshop with Juan Quezada and Michael Wisner. To work with these two artists in the Anderson Ranch setting is regarded as a very special opportunity in the ceramics world. Some scholarships are available. Registration by phone opens at 9 a.m. (Rocky Mountain Time) on Monday, January 7th. Last year's enrollment filled within the hour, the fastest in Anderson Ranch history. Limit 16 students. (See Ceramic Monthly's November 1999 story on Michael Wisner.) Michael gives a course description on his website: Southwestpottery.com. To request a catalog, call the Ranch (970-923-3181) or visit their website: www.andersonranch.org.

A student last year wrote, "This class is so much more than art. Its about man's potential to positively effect others as Juan has done in Mata Ortiz. This class changed my life." Coy Quakenbush, student 2001.

June 15-16

DRAGOON, AZ:  Sixth Annual Gathering of Mata Ortiz Traders

This yearly gathering of all active traders includes by invitation members of what has come to be called the "Mata Ortiz extended family." The latter are artists, collectors, museum personnel, gallery owners, writers and others who are actively involved as friends of Mata Ortiz, plus honorary members who were involved in the past. The original intent, now somewhat expanded, was to foster community and communication among traders. The program usually includes a speaker on a topic of interest followed by informal discussion of matters of common concern with a strong focus on the long-term well being of the village. Location: Triangle-T Ranch next to the Amerind Foundation in Dragoon AZ, 60 miles east of Tucson. Cabins or camping available. Participants arrive shortly after midday Saturday for the program followed by dinner, stay the night and leave after brunch Sunday. New traders or traders who have not previously taken part are urged to attend. Contact Spencer or Emalie MacCallum (775-482-2038), Box 180, Tonopah NV 89049.  <sm@look.net>

July 15-20

IDYLLWILD CA:  Pottery classes and Native American Festiva

Idyllwild Arts Summer Program. Master potters César and Gaby Domínguez, of Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua, will conduct classes for their fifth year in this extraordinary pine forest setting in the San Jacinto mountains east of Los Angeles. Students will learn the unique Mata Ortiz methods of building a pot, sanding, burnishing, painting, and outdoors firing to produce both polychrome black ware. Each student will complete two to three pieces of pottery. Tuition $410 plus lab fee for clay, paints, materials. Designed for all levels of experience. Limited to 15 students. Contact Diane Dennis, Summer Registrar (909-659-2171, Ext 365), Idyllwild Arts, Box 38, Idyllwild CA 92549.  www.idyllwildarts.org.

July 18-20

SILVER CITY, NM:  Fourth Annual "MIMBRES, PAQUIME & MORE"

Western New Mexico University, Silver City campus, celebrates Mimbres, Paquimé and Mata Ortiz with pottery workshops for adults and children, pottery making demonstrations, a general fiesta and fun including a roping/rodeo with Mata Ortiz potters and, hopefully, matachine dancers (who also will be potters). T-shirts (free to workshop members) commemorating the occasion again will be available for $15.75.

THURSDAY: 9-10 am - Registration (fee to be announced) for two-day workshop  Workshops 10-4 pm with an hour lunch break 12-1 (on your own but there will be food booths). Register ahead with the Mimbres Regional Arts Council (505-538-2505). See their website for registration forms for college credit for additional fee. Daniel Gonzalez, assisted by young potters of Mata Ortiz, will conduct a concurrent two-day children's pottery workshop for $35. FREE PUBLIC EVENTS: Pottery exhibit and sales throughout the day at the Demonstration Building and a public demonstration of pottery forming at a time to be announced.

FRIDAY: Same pottery workshop schedule as Friday. Pottery exhibit and sales 10-4 pm and a free public demonstration of pottery painting. Free public lectures in the evening at the Fine Arts Theater (time and speakers to be announced ).

SATURDAY: Archaeological tour of local Mimbres sites led by Dr. Cynthia Bettison ($45/person includes transportation and sack lunch). Pottery exhibit and sales continuing but without public demonstrations.  EVENING 4-7 pm:  Outdoors pottery firing. Fiesta featuring live Flamenco music, northern New Mexico ethnic food, fun and good fellowship ($10/person).

Sponsored by Western New Mexico University and Museum, and the Mimbres Region Arts Council. Contact the Arts Council (505-538-2505 or 888-758-7289), Box 1830, Silver City, NM 88062  <mrac@gilanet.com>

July 26-28

SANTA FE, NM:  Juan Quezada at Spanish Market

The Andrea Fisher Gallery will host a full demonstration of pottery making by Juan Quezada together with an exhibit of his work during Santa Fe's traditional Spanish Market. Times to be announced. Contact Andrea Fisher (505-986-1234) at her Gallery, 221 W. San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501.  <info@andreafisherpottery.com>

September 8

CAPISTRANO BEACH, CA: "Fifth Annual Celebration/Sale of Mata Ortiz Pottery"

Alice Baum and Donald Burnes again will co-host with Galería de Pérez Meillón, Ensenada, Mexico, their annual pottery event at their home and gallery, the Doheney Mansion, 34532 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach, on Sunday, Sept 8th, 11-7 p.m.  Master potters Cesar and Gaby Dominguez will demonstrate all aspects of pottery making including an outdoors firing in dried cow chips. Walter Parks will narrate the demonstrations. Please RSVP by Sept 2nd by calling 949-488-0427.

 

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