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Volume 13, Number 30 | Sepember 2-8, 2021
Second opinion
By James Steindler Contributing Editor
The Carbondale Clay Center (CCC) simply cannot get enough of the Phelps twins, Kyle and Kelly. The duo’s exhibition, “Race, Class, & the Blue Collar,” composed of a collection of figurines depicting the struggles and realities of the American working class, was on display at CCC through the month of August with a closing reception on Aug. 29. Mostly due to their expertise as ceramicists, but partially because it’s just too hard to say goodbye, the twins were invited to judge the Carbondale Clay National XV on First Friday, Sept. 3. The theme this year for CCC’s annual contest: “The Narrative Figure.” There will be a reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at CCC in downtown Carbondale, where awards for “Best in Show” and “Staff Selection” will be announced. The exhibition will remain on display through Sept. 25. Each year, CCC invites a renowned artist to judge the Carbondale Clay National, but it’s hard to separate the Phelps twins who create and work together on a regular basis. So, this year, there will be two sets of eyes on the prize. The brothers invited four nationally recognized figurative ceramic artists to participate: Roberto Lugo, Mac McCusker, Keith Smith and Paul Wandless. They selected 12 more artists from those who applied to compete from across the country. Throughout the month, CCC will be taking your votes as well. Folks can vote in-person or online for the piece they like best. At the end of the month, the center will announce “People’s Choice” along with a cash prize for the winner. “Ceramics is a prime medium that artists use to ‘tell a story.’ Carbondale Clay National XV: The Narrative Figure juried exhibition is a broad conversation on the issues of our modern age involving society, politics, environment, religion, class, sexuality, gender, poverty or war,” say jurors Kyle and Kelly Phelps. “We are looking to openly represent individual expression through this variety of topics amongst contemporary figurative ceramics.” For more information on the Phelps twins or to vote in the Carbondale Clay National XV, visit carbondaleclay.org "Carbondale Clay National XV: The Narrative Figure" was juried by Kyle and Kelly Phelps and opens at the Carbondale Clay Center with a reception on Sept. 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Photo by Will Sardinsky.
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