The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) presents “Wild Clay,” a new exhibition featuring ceramic works by artists who engage directly with “wild clay,” locally sourced, unprocessed earth that reveals the textures, colors, and character of place. The exhibition will be on view March 21 through April 18, offering audiences an opportunity to experience a range of functional and sculptural works that reflect both the individuality of wild clays and the creative visions of the participating artists.
“Wild Clay” celebrates the deep connection between material, environment, history, and creative exploration. Unlike commercially prepared clay, wild clay is dug from the earth and used raw or refined, carrying the unique imprint of its landscape. This exhibition invites viewers to consider clay not merely as a medium, but as a bridge between art, geology, ecology, and cultural memory.
Curated by artists John Reinking and Marg Diaz, the exhibition features work by a diverse group of ceramicists whose practices emphasize experimentation, material awareness, and place-based inquiry. Reinking, a New Jersey-based potter, is known for his wood-fired vessels crafted from locally sourced clays, while Diaz brings a playful yet rigorous approach to studying clay’s behaviors and possibilities.
“’Wild Clay’ is about reconnecting artists and audiences to the land beneath their feet. By working with materials gathered directly from the earth, these artists embrace unpredictability and allow the landscape itself to become a collaborator in the creative process,” said Reinking and Diaz. “Each piece tells a story not only of artistic intention, but of geology, time, and place.”
The public is invited to a gallery opening on Saturday, March 21 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Also on view at ACP:
“The Traveling Waffle House Interviews” by Sheryl Bassman will be on display March 21–April 18 in the Siegal Gallery. It is a series of portraits and personal narratives that highlight the often-overlooked experiences of Waffle House employees. Drawing on her own history of waitressing and travel, Bassman reveals the multifaceted role of restaurant staff — from listener and mediator to worker and storyteller — challenging stereotypes around service-industry labor.
“The Ephemeral Waltz of the Butterfly” by Gina Lucia will be on view in the Lower Level Gallery March 21-April 18. The exhibition explores themes of transformation, interconnectedness, and the transient nature of existence. Lucia’s work draws creative inspiration from natural processes, such as the metamorphosis from larva to butterfly, as well as the fragile balance between humanity and the environment. Through rich visual metaphors and organic imagery, the collages invite viewers to reflect on how all living things evolve, shed, and transform over time, mirroring both personal and ecological cycles.
Opening receptions for the Siegal Gallery and Lower Level Gallery exhibitions will also be held on Saturday, March 21 from 3 to 5 p.m.
The Arts Council of Princeton is at 102 Witherspoon Street. For more information, visit artscouncilofprinceton.org or call (609) 924-8777.