Museum of Contemporary Craft features for the first time the 17 ceramic pieces granted to the Museum by internationally recognized artist Toshiko Takaezu. Former faculty member at Princeton University, Takaezu is widely considered the first person to close – or nearly close – a ceramic vessel. She combines technical mastery with spontaneous painterly glazes that have influenced decades of ceramists worldwide. This exhibition tells the story of Takaezu’s connection to Portland, which began in the 1960s through her close friendship with local artist and educator Ken Shores, and deepened over 25 years as she gave summer workshops at Lewis & Clark College. These works will be on view with the over a dozen other pieces from the collection, comprising one of the largest public collections of Takaezu's works in the Pacific Northwest.

Exhibition made possible by:

Anonymous
Dolly Lemelson
J. Douglas Macy
Linda and Ken Mantel
Dick and Deanne Rubinstein
Joan and John Shipley
Carol Smith-Larson
Judy Teufel

RELATED PROGRAMMING

EXHIBITION TOUR
Curator Walkthrough
Wednesday, February 11, noon
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BOOK CELEBRATION
Unpacking the Collection
Tuesday, March 10, 7:30 pm
Powell's City of Books, 1005 W Burnside Street
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IMAGES:

Toshiko Takaezu, Untitled, c. 1990s; stoneware; Collection of Museum of Contemporary Craft, Gift of the artist, 2007.20.08 and 2007.20.01; Photos: Dan Kvitka

Toshiko Takaezu, Mini 3/4 Moon, c. 1980s; stoneware; Collection of Museum of Contemporary Craft, Gift of the artist, 2007.20.14; Photo: Dan Kvitka

Toshiko Takaezu, Untitled, c. 1990s; stoneware; Collection of Museum of Contemporary Craft, Gift of the artist, 2007.20.07; Photo: Dan Kvitka