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 Art Review:
Survey of shows sees new works and old in assorted media By Mary Thomas, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Art pottery: A visitor to Christopher Powell's exhibition "Continuing the Ohio Art Pottery Tradition" at The Clay Place, Shadyside, might think he'd wandered into an antiques show. But the works displayed only recently underwent their fiery transformation. Powell, who lives near Columbus, holds a bachelor's degree in ceramics from Edinboro University, where he was first exposed to and attracted by Arts and Crafts period pottery. The purity of form, harmonious glaze palette and emphasis on craftsmanship favored by that movement is reflected in his work. Surpassing mere reproduction, his is a later-generation expression that continues to evolve as he develops new glazes and tweaks form. The nearly 90 objects displayed, most of them vases with some plates, show fine-tuned control in throwing, glazing and firing. Forms are classic, moderated with incising, and carving and brought to life by ocean blue, moss green and earth brown glazes that give the surfaces a tactile, buttery warmth. The exhibition continues through March 31 at 5416 Walnut St. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday; closed March 16-20. Information: 412-682-3737. PCA exhibitions At the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, Patricia Barefoot continues her representations of the figure in an admirable solo exhibition, "Anatomy/Autonomy." She combines honed representational skills with conceptual underpinnings to explore the various ways women are perceived and presented, physically and attitudinally. One could read a discord between those notions generated from within and those superimposed by the larger society. Groupings of smaller works suggest a narrative with spiritual overtones. Particularly effective is a large drawing that pairs fleshy voluptuousness with skeletal parts. Also at the center, The Pittsburgh Print Group breaks new ground in subject matter in "Witticisms/Criticisms/Cynicisms." Giving an edge to the exhibition are such works as Terri Perpich's politically incorrect obese woman of "Moonstruck Meal" or the sarcastic cast of Elaine Morris' "He Searched for a Good Head to Put on Her Shoulders." Christie Strub revives 1970s feminist activist taunts in "The Pope's Plan" series, which suggests the pontiff might change his stance on abortion were men capable of experiencing pregnancy. Technique is diverse, including digital works and three-dimensional mixed media. The exhibitions continue through tomorrow at 6300 Fifth Ave. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. today and noon to 5 p.m. tomorrow. For information, call 412-361-0873.
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