I will be hosting my annual Spring Open Studio in Portola Valley on Saturday and Sunday, May 4 & 5, 2024 from 10am to 5pm. The Open Studio takes place at my studio and gallery at 16 Coalmine View, Portola Valley.
I will be presenting my recent work using crater-like glazes that I developed. I will of course be displaying my “classic” pieces as well. Come visit.
My gallery is also open by appointment. Just call me at 650-851-0295
Happy New Year! Congratulations to the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC) members participating in this exhibition, Exhibition of Ceramics at the Shredharani Gallery in New Delhi, India presented by the Indian Ceramics Triennale. I am pleased to have my work included and to represent ACGA from California.
Here are a few images of the latest new textures that I will showing at the Winter Open Studio. 
December 2 & 3
I will be hosting my annual Winter Open Studio in Portola Valley on Saturday and Sunday, December 2 & 3, 2023 from 10am to 5pm. The Open Studio takes place at my studio and gallery at 16 Coalmine View, Portola Valley.
I will display recent work that I wood-fired in Aomori, Japan. You can also the newest textures I have added to my designs: Scallop and Ginkgo. I will of course be displaying my “classic” pieces as well. Come visit.
My gallery is also open by appointment. Just call me at 650-851-0295 or 650-678-2299
I recently returned from three weeks of enjoying making pottery in northern Japan. I organized a woodfiring workshop for four of us to work, fire, and sight-see in Aomori, Japan at the Tsugaru Kanayama Studios hosted by Ryoji Matsumiya.
I have posted many images on my Facebook page for others to enjoy. See posts from September 18 to October 11, 2023
See https://www.facebook.com/lee.middleman
My piece, “Oribe Pine Globe Vase”, will be in the 31st Annual Strictly Functional Pottery National Competition held at the Lancaster Museum of Art in Lancaster, PA. This is the ninth time my work has been accepted into this exhibition. The exhibition dates are from September 23 to November 4, 2023. Juror Adero Willard selected 131 pieces from 128 artists for the show.
I am excited to announce that I have organized and will lead a woodfiring workshop at Tsugaru Kanayama in Goshogwara, Aomori, Japan from September 17 to October 8 this year. I have invited two American potters and one Canadian potter to work and woodfire there. We will also explore the Jōmon ceramic history and Aomori culture.
The Jōmon pottery (縄文土器, Jōmon doki) is a type of ancient earthenware pottery which was made during Jomon period in Japan. . The term “Jōmon” (縄文) means “rope-patterned” in Japanese, describing the patterns that are pressed into the clay. Fragments have been dated as early as 14,500 BCE.
It has been more than 4 years since I visited and worked in Japan. I have missed friends, the culture, and the food.
I will periodically post our progress on Facebook and IG. Should be fun.
On July 15 & 16, 2023, the prestigious ACGA Clay & Glass Festival in Palo Alto features a free and fun-filled celebration of ceramic and glass art. Featuring both fine and functional art, the ACGA Clay & Glass Festival boasts more than 100 juried artists displaying their best work.
I will be exhibiting in Booth # 66.
Shop for unique, one-of-a-kind artwork while you meet the artists. Attendees will also enjoy several demonstrations of hands-on activities, including pottery-making and ikebana demonstrations, as well as an interactive clay project for artists of all ages.
Discover unique pieces of the finest quality glass and clay art that will make a beautiful addition to any home or garden. Select from handcrafted stunning pottery, unique jewelry and show-stopping glass art and sculptures.
Pick up a Festival map when you get to the show for exact demonstration locations.
Free admission
Outdoors in the gardens surrounding the Palo Alto Art Center
Valet parking available at the Palo Alto Art Center
Hosted by the Association of Clay and Glass Artists of California (ACGA)
Co-sponsored by the Palo Alto Art Center
I will be hosting my annual Spring Open Studio in Portola Valley on Saturday and Sunday, May 6 & 7, 2023 from 10am to 5pm. The Open Studio takes place at my studio and gallery at 16 Coalmine View, Portola Valley.
I will display my recent work that I wood-fired in Manitoba, Canada with my good friend, Alan Lacovetsky. Before the Open Studio, I will creating new Pit-Fired pieces. I will of course be displaying my “classic” pieces as well. Come visit.
My gallery is also open by appointment. Just call me at 650-851-0295
The Contemporary Clay Biennial Juried Exhibit 2022 will feature my piece, Duo-Red Diamond Globe, at the The Art Center in Grand Valley, Colorado. The exhibition will run from May 13 to June 25, 2022 at the Western Colorado Center for the Arts. This is my seventh time participating in this national competition. Juror: Fong Choo, Adjunct Faculty, Bellarmine University
My piece “Jade Sunflower Vase 2022” has been selected for the “California Clay Competition” exhibition at the The Artery at 207 G Street in Davis, CA from April 29 to May 26, 2022. This is the eleventh time my work has been selected for this California competition. This year the juror is Heidi BekeBrede, a multi-media artist. See my Gallery Shop here.
Seismic State: California Ceramics
My piece, Oribe Sun Flower, has been selected for this show by juror, Beth Ann Gerstein, the director of the American Museum of Ceramic Art. The exhibition is sponsored by the Association of Clay and Glass Arts at the Sparrow Gallery in Sacramento, March 11-April 1, 2022. The exhibition is associated with the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) Conference in Sacramento.
Sparrow Gallery 1021 R St, Sacramento, CA
I just received word that my piece received a silver prize at the 2021 Shanghai International Woodfire Ceramics Festival. This piece, Winter Pine Vase, is from a private collection in China. So pleased.
I will be hosting my annual Outdoor/Indoor Winter Open Studio in Portola Valley on Saturday and Sunday, December 4 & 5, 2021 from 10am to 5pm. The Open Studio takes place at my studio and gallery at 16 Coalmine View, Portola Valley.
COVID protocols will be followed.
I wish I could have traveled to international ceramic events this year, but instead I worked in my studio to create . I also have been creating a new line of crater-glazed works. Please visit and see these new pieces.
My gallery is also open by appointment. Just call me at 650-851-0295
I am pleased to announce that three of my ceramic artworks have been purchased for the 10th China Changchun International Ceramics Symposium this summer. Changchun is the capital of northeast China’s Jilin province. The exhibition runs from August 5 to November 15, 2021.
The Changchun museum/gallery will add these pieces to their permanent collection which includes works from 58 countries. In 2020, 9th exhibition also purchased three of my pieces.
The work entitled, Desert Pine Tribute, is shown here.
My work, Black & White (Winter) Diamond Vase, was selected for the Black White and Shades of Gray Exhibition at the Sebastopol Center for Arts.Exhibition Dates: June 19-July 25 2021.
This international, juried exhibition showcases work in the powerful and creative contrast of black and white tones and/or including complex and subtle shades of gray. I am pleased to have my ceramic piece included in a show of many paintings, photographs, prints and textiles.
See these links: https://www.sebarts.org/blackwhitegray/p/blackwhitegray50
https://www.sebarts.org/blackwhitegray
Two pieces of my work are in the next exhibition/competition at the Blue Line Arts Gallery near Sacramento, CA. Entitled “Off-Center, ” the exhibition is on display from May 21 to July 3 in Roseville. These are works produced in 2021 during the pandemic shutdown. I am pleased to be in this exhibition again. The pieces are titled “Large Winter Diamond Vase” and “Jade Sun Flower 2021.” See my Gallery Shop here
My piece “Winter Diamond Vase” has been selected for the “Black/White and Shades of Gray” exhibition at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts at 282 S.High Street in
Sebastopol from June 19 to July 25. The juror, Harry Frank, selected the 100 pieces for display. See my Gallery Shop here.
Irene Jenkins enjoys flower arranging. She created wonderful arrangement using my Oribe Orbits Almond Vase purchased at my May open studio. Thank you Irene for this image.
Had a great Outdoor/Indoor Open Studio in early May (2021). Good sales, good weather, Great visitors. A few shots for memories.
My gallery is open by appointment (call 650-851-0535 or email: Lee@LeeMiddleman.com anytime. Also many pieces on view in my Etsy Gallery Shop:
(Etsy.com/shop/leemiddleman)
My work is featured at the Iwasawa Oriental Art Gallery in Los Gatos, CA during this holiday season. See this link:
What fun! My art design won the International Ceramic Art Network (ICAN) 2021 T-shirt Contest. Here’s a link: ICAN T-shirt
In addition, my ceramic work has been selected to appear in the International Ceramic Art Network (ICAN) 2021 Ceramics Calendar – Vases & Vessels. Here’s the link: ICAN Calendars
I hope you will visit the ACGA online sales event “Celebrate Clay & Glass”. Link: https://acga.net See my newest work available for purchase with FREE shipping. Many other of my fellow ACGA members are in this holiday show. You can also go directly to my gallery shop using this link: etsy.com/shop/leemiddleman
I am pleased to share that my art works are chosen for Two Exhibitions:
OFF-CENTER – AN INTERNATIONAL CERAMIC COMPETITION at Blue Line Arts in Roseville California. Three of my pieces were selected: “Tri-Red Diamond Globe, Winter Ridge Globe, and Oribe Pine Textured Globe (pictured here)” vases, all created in 2020. The exhibition runs July 31 to September 12, 2020.
WORKHOUSE CLAY INTERNATIONAL EXHIBIT 2020 at the Workhouse Art Center in Lorton, VA. My “Winter Blue Sun Flower” vase will be displayed. The exhibit runs August 8 to October 11, 2020.
Enjoy visiting my gallery shop @ Etsy.com/shop/leemiddleman
New Ceramics Online Shop
Link: Gallery Shop
(Note: the name of my gallery shop on Etsy is LeeMIddleman (no spaces)
With so many galleries, open studios and exhibitions postponed or cancelled, I recently opened my
ceramics gallery shop on Etsy.
Please take a look and give a “like” to the shop.
My studio/gallery in Portola Valley is closed for now. However, if you would like to see my artwork, I can setup an outdoor display. For an appointment call (650) 851-0295 0r email Lee@LeeMiddleman.com
Pictured: Hidden Red Diamond Globe
I am pleased to announce that three of my pieces have been accepted into the 9th China Changchun International Ceramics Symposium. Normally the symposium is held in August, but this year only the exhibition will be held from August 12, 2020 to January 7, 2021. The exhibition will be held at the Changchun International Ceramic Art Museum in Changchun, the capital of northeast China’s Jilin province.
Since 2011, Changchun has held 8 sessions of the China Changchun International Ceramics Works Symposium (International Ceramics Competition). At present, the Ceramics Gallery has collected more than 800 works created by more than 220 artists from 51 countries and regions in five continents. These are the links to Home page & the Gallery page.
The work selected are a Red Diamond Globe (pictured here), a Winter Sun Flower, and a Jade Sea Urchin Vase
I have several announcements:
First, the ACGA Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival scheduled for July, then rescheduled for October, has been cancelled. See you there in July, 2021.
Second, I have opened an ETSY shop for selling my works on-line during these trying times. I hope you will visit the ESTY Shop enjoy my latest works, LIKE the shop and consider purchasing my art. The link to my ETSY Shop is: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LeeMiddleman
Finally, if you looking to connect with me or purchase work directly from my larger gallery collection, you can contact me at 650-851-0295. We can discuss my work and take a virtual ZOOM tour of the gallery and studio. Let’s keep in touch.
My latest Diamond Winter Globe will on exhibition at the Contemporary Clay Biennial 2020 in Grand Junction, CO from June 5 to June 27, 2020 at the Western Colorado Center for the Arts. This is my sixth time participating in this national competition. Juror: Bill van Gilder
My work Winter Sunflower 2020 will be exhibited in two International Academy of Ceramics (IAC) exhibitions this year. The first exhibition will be POSTPONED until July and August of 2021 at the IAC’s 2021 General Assembly and Congress in Rovaniemi, Finland at the Arctic Ceramic Center . This IAC traveling exhibition will then travel to China for exhibiting in October, 2021 at the Guozhong Ceramic Art Museum in Beijing.
My Open Studio is this weekend, Saturday & Sunday, 10am to 5pm @ 16 Coalmine View, Portola Valley, CA
See the new bright colored texture works and the sculptural cottages.
My work will be on display and sale at the Epperson Gallery for the holidays. If you are the Crockett, CA (off Interstate 80 at the Carquinez Straits Bridge), stop by it is a great ceramics gallery.
Image of my work Tri-Color Textured Globe was selected of the ICAN 2020 national ceramics SURFACES calendar. It is on the February page. The calendars are available on-line at: https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/shop/calendars-for-2020/
I am excited to announce that I was elected as a new member of the International Academy of Ceramics. IAC. The goal of the IAC is to stimulate friendship and communication between professionals in the field of ceramics in all countries. Here is a link to the website:
https://www.aic-iac.org/en/academy/the-iac-mission/
Since 1958, the IAC has been affiliated with UNESCO as an official partner in the cultural sector.
My piece, “Winter Diamond Vase”, will be in the 27th Annual Strictly Functional Pottery National Competition held at the Market House Craft Center in PA. This is the seventh time my work has been accepted into this exhibition. The juror this year is Malcolm Mobutu Smith. The exhibition dates are from September 21 to October 26, 2019.
My work is now currently in seven exhibitions and competitions in California. I am so pleased.
I will be hosting my annual Spring Open Studio in Portola Valley on Saturday and Sunday, April 27 & 28, 2019 from 10am to 5pm. The Open Studio takes place at my studio and gallery at 16 Coalmine View, Portola Valley.
My highly-textured, decorative functional ware is strongly influenced by my participation in ceramic workshops and symposiums in Asia. I enjoy combining my interest in travel and Asian cultures with my ceramic career. In 2019, I will be doing a residency in Croatia in September and a residency in YiXing, China in October.
I will be hosting my annual Winter Open Studio in Portola Valley on Saturday and Sunday, December 8 & 9, 2018 from 10am to 5pm. The Open Studio takes place at my studio and gallery at 16 Coalmine View, Portola Valley.
My highly-textured, decorative functional ware is strongly influenced by my participation in ceramic workshops and symposiums in Asia. I enjoy combining my interest in travel and Asian cultures with my ceramic career. In 2019, I will be doing a residency in YiXing, China in May and a residency in Croatia in August.
International Ceramic Artists Newtwork has chosen my work “Diamond Rings Winter Sculpture” as the
December image on the National 2019 Calendar
The Filoli Art Faire in Woodside
Friday thru Sunday, July 27 to 29
Filoli Gardens first art fair will be open from 10am to 5pm each day. There is modest admission fee to the beautiful gardens and plenty of parking. Located at 86 Canada Road in Woodside. See you there!
The ACGA Clay & Glass Festival is THIS WEEKEND.
The Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the grounds of the Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road. I will be located in booth #67 on the lawn. The Festival will feature live demonstrations in glass-blowing, pottery-throwing and ikebana, as well as a hands-on clay art projects for artists of all ages.
Admission is free, and there’s plenty of free parking. Valet parking is also available at the Art Center. Good food available, too. For more details about the show, please visit www.clayglassfestival.com.
The postcard for the ACGA Clay & Glass Festival in Palo Alto, listed below. See you there in booth 67 on the lawn.
The ACGA Clay & Glass Festival in Palo Alto takes place on Saturday & Sunday, July 14 & 15 at the Palo Alto Art Center, Newell at Embarcadero Roads from 10am to 5pm. I will be in booth 67 on the lawn. Come see my newest works including sculptural works like this one shown here, Diamond Ridge Rings.
In May, I will be attending the symposium and residency at the International Ceramic Artists Association in Zibo, China. The event will take place at the Li ZiYuan Art Center from May 11 to May 24. Members from Europe, Asia, Oceania and the Americas will participate in lectures, studio work, and firings. I am pleased to be the North American Chair for this event.
I will be hosting my annual Spring Open Studio in Portola Valley on Saturday and Sunday, April 28 & 29, 2017 from 10am to 5pm. The Open Studio takes place at my studio and gallery at 16 Coalmine View, Portola Valley.
My highly-textured, decorative functional ware is strongly influenced by my participation in ceramic workshops and symposiums in Asia. I enjoy combining my interest in travel and Asian cultures with my ceramic career. This year I will be doing a residency in Zibo, China in May and visiting Inner Mongolia, China in August.
Celebrating another year of ceramics. Pictured is my newest texture – diamond – Winter Ridge Vessel. This piece and others on display incorporate this newest texture.
My work, New Desert SunFlower was selected for the International Ceramic Triennial UNICUM 2018. Organized by The National Museum of Slovenia, the International Ceramics Triennial UNICUM 2018 “emphasizes the popularization and presentation of contemporary ceramics as an independent area in the field of artistic creation. Triennial is a connection between international and Slovenia and it gives a fresh insight into artistic ceramics.” The exhibition at the National Museum is from May 17 to September 30
Abant İzzet Baysal University Faculty of Fine Arts Department of Ceramic presents an International Contemporary Ceramic Exhibition every 4 years. The first International Contemporary Ceramic Exhibition was held in 2014 and invited artists to establish a contemporary ceramic museum in Turkey. In 2018, 54 artworks were accepted for the exhibition now called the “CERAmini” International Exhibition of Contemporary Ceramics.
My work for this exhibition is titled: Winter Ridge Globe. It will become part of the museum collection. The exhibition is open from April 11 to May 30, 2018 at the Abant İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, Bolu 14030 Turkey.
My sculptural piece, Cosmic Eggs 2018, has been accepted in the Contemporary Clay Biennial 2018 at the Western Colorado Center for the Arts in Grand Junction, CO. This is my fifth time to be selected for the exhibition.
The biennial was juried by Juror: Doug Casebeer, Anderson Ranch Art Center. The exhibition is open from May 11 to June 23, 2018.
My vase, Oribe SunFlower, has been accepted in the 29th annual California Clay Competition at The Artery in Davis, California. This is the ninth time my work has been selected for the annual exhibition.
The exhibition is open from April 27 to May 25, 2018.
The 29th Annual California Clay Competition is sponsored by The Artery and held in conjunction with the California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Art.
I will be hosting my annual Winter Open Studio in Portola Valley on Saturday and Sunday, December 2 & 3, 2017 from 10am to 5pm. The Open Studio takes place at my studio and gallery at 16 Coalmine View, Portola Valley.
My highly-textured, decorative functional ware is strongly influenced by my participation in ceramic workshops and symposiums in Asia. I enjoy combining my interest in travel and Asian cultures with my ceramic career. This year I worked and exhibited in Mihar, India and Yixing and Yaotou, China.
Celebrating another year of ceramics. Pictured is my new series – Jade Carved Rain Bottle. This piece and others on display were inspired by my recent trip to Yaotou, China.
I have been invited to exhibit several of his celadon pieces at the International Celadon Exhibition at the Huamao Art Museum, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, CHINA. Chinese artists from around China and their foreign counterparts will be showcasing the celadon works. Founded in 2008, the Huamao Art Museum is the largest non-profit private art museum in China. The exhibition will be held from November 13 to December 8, 2017.
I have been invited to participate in a ceramic workshop in Chengcheng, China, home of Yaotou kiln ceramics. Although I have participated in many workshops and symposia in Zibo, Yixing, Beijing and Jingdezhen, this will be a new ceramics tradition in a new location.
This workshop will explore the local culture and industry related to Yaotou black porcelain. Art creation and firing, ceramic forum and touring will take place.
10 foreign artists and 10 Chinese artists will work together.
My work Winter Ridge 5 is also in the current show: 4th Clay & Glass Biennial. Sponsored by the City of Brea and the Association of Clay & Glass Artists of California, this juried show includes selected works from United States artists and international artists.
The juror is Suzanne Isken, the Executive Director of the Crafty and Folk Art Museum in Los Angeles.
Two of my latest works, Winter Ridge and Cosmic Eggs, have been accepted in this year’s INK & CLAY 43 Exhibition. “Winter Ridge” is a decorative functional vase, while “Cosmic Eggs” is a slip-cast sculpture (shown here). The exhibition will be held at the Kellogg University Art Gallery at Cal Poly Pomona. The ceramic juror was Jane Takayama-Ogawa, Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles, CA. Since 2008, I have participated in 8 exhibitions there.
The exhibition dates are September 16 to October 26, 2017, 1801 W. Temple Ave, Building 35A, Pomona.
Beginning Thursday, I will be attending the International Ceramic Artists Association – Purple Sand Clay Workshop and Exhibition – 2017 in Yixing, China, home of the purple sand Yixing clay. This workshop with firing, symposium, and exhibition will run from April 18 to April 28, 2017.
The finished stoneware, which is used for teaware and other small items, are usually red or brown in color. They are known as Zisha ware, and are typically unglazed.
A second piece of my new series, Winter Ridge, was selected for the new international ceramic art competition for 2017, Off Center. Well known ceramic artists, Sandra Simon and Robert Brady, were the judges.
The exhibition will held at the Blue Line Arts in Roseville, CA from April 14 to May 27, 2017.
All three of my works have been selected for the exhibition, Purposeful Pottery. This show will include ceramic work that is not only beautiful, but functional. Whether it’s a bowl, vase, tray, or teapot, work included in Purposeful Pottery must serve a purpose.
My works included are: Teadust Spiral Carved Vase, Desert Pine Covered Jar and Jade Abora Vase (pictured).
The exhibition will held at the Blue Line Arts in Roseville, CA from April 14 to May 27, 2017.
My vase, Winter Ridge, has been accepted in the 28th annual California Clay Competition at The Artery in Davis, California. This is the eighth time my work has been selected for the annual exhibition.
The exhibition is open from April 28 to May 26, 2017.
The 28th Annual California Clay Competition is sponsored by The Artery and held in conjunction with the California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Art.
The Artery, 207 G Street, Davis, CA
Just received the announcement (thank you Liu Xi) that my work and other foreign artists from the Macsabal Symposium held in Beijing last year will be displayed with Chinese artists in Beijing this month. At the 798 Art Bridge, 798 Art Zone, Beijing, CHINA
I will be hosting my annual Winter Open Studio in Portola Valley on Saturday and Sunday, December 3 & 4, 2016 from 10am to 5pm. The Open Studio takes place at my studio and gallery at 16 Coalmine View, Portola Valley.
My highly-textured, decorative functional ware is strongly influenced by my participation in ceramic workshops and symposiums in Asia. I enjoy combining my interest in travel and Asian cultures with my ceramic career. Early next year I will working and exhibiting in India and China.
Celebrating another year of ceramics. Pictured is my new series – Winter Ridge. This series was inspired by my recent trip to China.
I will be leaving soon for the International Ceramics Artists Association bi-annual symposium. This year it takes place in Changchun City, Jilin Province in CHINA. We will create work in the studfio at the Yurong Science Factory and the academic conference will take place at the Jilin Art College. The conference will then move to Zibo City, Shandong Province for additional activities. Looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new artists from around the world.
My recent work (Desert SunFlower) is now part of the collection in the International Macsabal Museum in Samnye City in Wanju, KOREA. I am happy to now have 4 pieces in their collection. Another piece, Ruby Abora Bottle, has been added to the Wanju County collection in Korea.
Heading for Wanju, Korea tomorrow for the International Macsabal Wood Fire Festival at the Macsabal Museum in Wanju-gun. Artist from China, Korea, Turkey, Germany and me (USA) will create new works and collaborate on a 6-meter high sculpture.
I return just in time for the Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival at the Palo Alto Art Center on July 9 & 10. My booth is #69. Hope to see you there with images and stories from Korea.
My Spring Open Studio will take place on April 30 & May 1
Saturday & Sunday, 10am to 5pm
Celebrating my 400th firing, I will feature my new “Stone Globe Vase” series (pictured).
At Lee’s Studio, 16 Coalmine View in Portola Valley
See map under CONTACT LEE
or by appointment, please call (650) 851-0535
California Clay Competition opens this month in Davis, CA concurrent with the California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Art (CCACA). My Jade Abora Vase will be on display. Looking forward to the show at The Artery.
I will participate in the International Macsabal Woodfire Symposium in Wanju, KOREA from June 27 to July 5, 2016. The symposium at a new venue, The International Macsabal Museum. Macsabal Symposia or Festivals are held every year in Korea, China, or Turkey. Founded by Kim YoonMoon of Osan, Korea, these events include ceramics artists from many countries. The artists create clay works, fire the pieces in a woodfiring kiln, exchange ideas and give presentations. Since 2004, I have participated in more than 10 Macsabal events in China, Korea, and Turkey.
Two of my pieces – Jade SunFlower and Jade Abora Vase – have been accepted in the Contemporary Clay Biennial 2016 at the Western Colorado Center for the Arts in Grand Junction, CO. This is my fourth time to be selected for the exhibition.
The biennial was juried by Steve Hilton, ceramic artist and professor at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. The exhibition is open from May 13 to June 25, 2016.
My vase, Jade Abora, has been accepted in the 27th annual California Clay Competition at The Artery in Davis, California. This is the seventh time my work has been selected for the annual exhibition.
The exhibition is open from April 29 to May 27, 2016.
The 27th Annual California Clay Competition is sponsored by The Artery and held in conjunction with the California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Art.
Happy New Year!
My latest Oribe SunFlower will on exhibition at the Potters Council Juried Show in Kansas City from March 16-19, 2016 at the NCECA Annual Meeting at the Convention Center. Hope to see you there.
My Winter Open Studio will take place on Saturday and Sunday, December 12 & 13, 10am to 5pm at my gallery at 16 Coalmine View in Portola Valley. I will be showing new works influenced by my recent trip Beijing, China and Jeonju, Korea. I will also be featuring new hand-built pieces.
See map under CONTACT LEE or visit my studio and gallery by appointment, please call 650-851-0295.
My work, Oribe SunFlower, was selected by the juror, Jody Baral, Department Chair, Art & Graphic Design at Mount Saint Mary’s University in LA. Ink & Clay is an annual competition, established in 1971, of prints, ceramic ware, and sculpture sponsored by the Kellogg University Art Gallery of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. This is my sixth time participating.
The exhibition runs from September 19 to October 29.
The gallery is open Mon & Tues 4-8pm/ Wed & Thurs and Sat-Sun, 12-4pm, closed Fridays.
I have been invited to Beijing (CHINA) International Macsabal Woodfire Festival 2015 will take place from November 5 to 17, 2015 in the Huairou District. The festival pottery we make and fire there will take “peace” as the theme. During the event, my work will be on display at “Forbidden City Contemporary Ceramic Art Exhibition” at the Beijing Imperial Ancestral Temple (see image).
My work will be in the Visions in Clay 2015 exhibition in California. This is the fifth year my work has been selected for this exhibition. For a link to the exhibition (Click here)..
I am pleased to announce that my work is now displayed and for sale at Shady Lane Gallery.
Shady Lane, voted best jewelry and gifts in Palo Alto, is a locally-owned gallery that provides a wonderful showcase for the exceptional talent of local and international artisans. Located in the Sharon Heights Shopping Center (between Wells Fargo & Starbucks):
The Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival is coming up soon, Saturday & Sunday, July 11 & 12, 10am to 5pm at the Palo Alto Art Center at the intersection of Newell & Embarcadero Roads in Palo Alto, CA. See 150 excellent clay and glass artists. The widest range of styles and designs in one place.
Come visit my booth, #69, on the lawn.
My work will be on display at the Healdsburg Center for The Arts in Healdsburg, CA. The exhibition is entitled “4th Annual Clay & Glass” and takes place from June 11 to August 16. This year the show features 7 clay and 7 glass invited artists from California. I am exhibiting 14 pieces.
130 Plaza Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448 | 707-431-1970 | HealdsburgCenterForTheArts.com
Open | Sun, Mon, Wed & Thur 11am-5pm | Fri & Sat 11am-6pm | Closed Tue
My next show is a group show entitled: California Invites: 5+5. I excited to be at TRAX Gallery, the premier ceramics gallery in northern California. I hope you will come to opening on Friday, May 22, 6 to 8pm. The show takes place from May 20 to July 16, 2015, Wednesdays through Sundays, 12 to 5:30pm at:
TRAX Gallery
1812 5th Street
Berkeley, CA
Phone: 510-540-TRAX (8729)
I just returned from a symposium and workshop was hosted by the Kaihongtang Art Center (Yixing) and the International Ceramic Artists Association (Zibo). The event was held from April 18 to April 29 in Yixing, China – famous for its unglazed ceramic teapots. Artists from China and around the world worked with several Yixing clays. One clay for making our own style work and the special purple sand clay for hand-built teapots.
See my Facebook album at this link.
I leave soon for Yixing, China, to participate in the “2015 Ceramic Art Symposium of International Ceramic Artists”. This an exchange between Yixing ceramists and foreign artists. It will help us understand the creation of the purple sand teapot and they look to diversify the creative techniques of the purple sand art. The two-week workshop and symposium takes place from April 17 to 29. Should be interesting.
My Spring Open Studio will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 16 & 17, 10am to 5pm at my gallery at 16 Coalmine View in Portola Valley. I will be showing new works influenced by my recent trip Yixing, China. I will also be featuring new hand-built pieces.
See map under CONTACT LEE or visit my studio and gallery by appointment, please call 650-851-0295.
I will be displaying my work in two California gallery exhibitions this spring and summer.
At TRAX Gallery in Berkeley, CA , the exhibition is entitled California Invites 5+5 and takes place from May 20 to July 16. Five California ceramic artists: Darren Cockrell, Lee Middleman, Bill Geisinger, Owen Nelsen, and Sarah Brown invite five other artists: Martha Grover, Sam Hoffman, Ken Pincus, Shawn Spangler, and Kyla Toomey to exhibit their work together at TRAX Gallery.
Sandy Simon, a potter, started TRAX gallery in 1995 in a warehouse on the railroad tracks in West Berkeley, CA . The focus of TRAX is to showcase exceptional functional ware from potters across the U.S. committed to making pots. In the 20 years since it’s inception, TRAX has gained a national and international following.
At the Healdsburg Center for The Arts in Healdsburg, CA, the second exhibition is entitled 4th Annual Clay & Glass and takes place from June 11 to August 16. This year the show features 14 invited artists from California. Lee is exhibiting 8 pieces.
Three of my works will be exhibited at the Third Contemporary Ceramics International Biannual “Clay & Context” from April 3 to April 25, 2015 at the Halcyon Art Gallery at the Swope Art Museum in Terre Haute, IN. One of the pieces is “Desert Pine Textured Tribute” shown here.
My piece, SnowFall 2014, will be on exhibit at the Potters Council 2015 Juried Show at the Rhode Island Convention Center from March 25 to 28 during the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) 2015 conference.
My Winter Sunflower – 2015 has been accepted in the 26th annual California Clay Competition at The Artery in Davis, California. This is my sixth time to be selected for the annual exhibition. Very happy.
The exhibition is open from May 1 to May 29. The 26th Annual California Clay Competition is sponsored by The Artery and held in conjunction with the California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Art.
Three of my ceramic bowls were accepted by the International Macsabal Museum in Wanju, Jeonbuk, Korea for their collection. The “macsabal” refers to the simple bowl used in the daily meals in Korea.
A second piece, Jade Abora Vase was selected for the 3rd Annual Clay and Glass Biennial Exhibition to be held at the City of Brea Art Gallery, 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea, CA from January 24 to March 6, 2015. The clay juror was Lana Wilson, a ceramic artist, teacher and author.
My work SnowFall 2014 has been selected for the Potters Council 2014 Juried Show that will take place at the Rhode Island Convention Center during the NCECA Conference, March 25 to March 28. The juror was Holly Goring, Editor of Pottery Making Illustrated.
My Winter Open Studio will take place on Saturday and Sunday, December 6 & 7 at my gallery in Portola Valley. I will be showing new works influenced by my travels to Korea and China this year. I will also be featuring new hand-built pieces.
My work, Jade Orbits Bottle, is now in the exhibition Watertight: Beyond the Vessel. This juried exhibition is taking place at the Olive Hyde Art Gallery in Fremont, CA from October 24 to November 22. The juror was Julia Feld and the works were selected from members of the Ochard Valley Ceramics Arts Guild.
Three of my 2014 ceramic pieces had been accepted to this year’s CLAY & INK 40 Exhibition. All three pieces submitted to juror, Phyllis Green, were selected – Desert SunFlower, Strata Covered Jar, and Jade Abora Jar. The exhibition will be held at the Kellogg University Art Gallery at Cal Poly Pomona from Saturday, September 13 to October 23, 2014. Happily, this is my fifth time participating in this competition.
A busy time last week, my work was accepted into two exhibitions:
22nd Annual Strictly Functional Pottery National Competition held at the Market House Craft Center in PA. This is the fifth time my work has been accepted into this exhibition. The work is entitled Winter Sunflower. The exhibition dates are from September 20 to November 1, 2014.
Influenced & Inspired by…Big Ideas 1950 – 1970: Influences in Modern Ceramics held at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts in California. This exhibition focuses on the clay works of current ceramic artists who were influenced by thirteen seminal artists from the 50’s and 60’s. The work is entitled Oribe SunFlower. The exhibition dates are September 11 to October 25, 2014.
Postcard for the next national competition exhibition. Shipping the piece tomorrow.
For link, click here.
Coverage of the Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival in the local paper. I am pleased with the picture and exposure.
My newest work, Jade Abora Vase, has also been selected for the Visions in Clay 2014 exhibition at the LH Horton Gallery at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton. This is my fourth time to be in this national exhibition. This year the competition was juried by Garth Johnson, Curator of Artistic Programs at The Clay Studio in Philadephia. The exhibition runs from August 22 to September 19.
A set of my classical pine-textured sunflowers and vases ready to bisque fire for the Palo Alto Clay & Glass Show. See you there at Booth #19.
I am getting ready for the ACGA Clay & Glass Show in Palo Alto, July 12 and 13. Here is one of my newest carved works (Coke can for scale) ready to bisque fire. See you there. Booth # 19
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2014, and 10a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 13, 2014.
WHERE: Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303.
Please join me for the 2014 Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival Saturday and Sunday, July 12 and 13. Hosted by the Association of Clay and Glass Artists of California (ACGA) and presented with the Palo Alto Art Center, the festival features a large selection of the best traditional and contemporary clay and glass art. I am delighted to be part of the 150 juried artists participating in this show.
Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the show is at the Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road in Palo Alto. I will be located in booth 19.
Admission is free, and there’s plenty of free parking. There are also free art demonstrations and a clay art project suitable for all ages.
For more details about the show, please visit www.clayglassfestival.com.
My Desert Sunflower – 2014 has been accepted in the Contemporary Clay Biennial 2014 at the Western Colorado Center for the Arts in Grand Junction, CO. This is my third time to be selected for the exhibition. 65 works by 53 artists were accepted.
The biennial was juried by Jim Romberg, Professor Emeritus, from Southern Oregon University where he headed the Ceramics Department for nineteen years. The exhibition is open from May 16 to June 24.
My Winter Sunflower – 2014 has been accepted in the 25th annual California Clay Competition at the Artery in Davis, California. This is my fifth time to be selected for the annual exhibition. Very happy.
The exhibition is open from April 25 – May 23. The 25th Annual California Clay Competition is sponsored by The Artery and held in conjunction with the California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Art.
Our new exhibition ACGA-SMArt Gallery Invitational 2014 opened tonight at the SMArt Gallery in San Francisco. Six ceramic artists: Nuala Creed, Joe Kowalczyk, Lee Middleman, Kathy Pallie, Jan Schachter, and Tiffany Schmierer will be exhibiting their work until March 29. The gallery is at 1045 Sutter Street, San Francisco and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30am to 5:30pm.
My work will be showcased in a local exhibition entitled Best of Kind, San Francisco Bay Ceramics. This exhibition is sponsored by Smith Andersen Editions, a local fine arts press established in Palo Alto. The exhibition will be held at 440 Pepper Avenue in Palo Alto from March 15 to April 26, 2014.
Two of my newest vessels have been selected for the show to be held at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts in Sebastopol, CA from January 9 to February 14, 2014. The exhibition was juried by Khysie Horn, founder of the Quicksilver Mining Company Gallery in Sonoma County.
For my Open Studio on December 7 & 8, I will be showing my new vases and jars with modified textures and incising. For example, this Sand Dollar Jar. Come see them all.
The Potters Council has just published the 2014 General Wall Calendar. My work Sea-Foam Carved Vase was selected as the August 2014 image.
Please note the date for my next Open Studio: Saturday & Sunday, December 7 & 8, 10am to 5pm
See the new Strata Vases and Strata Covered Jars.
I just returned from a two-week ceramics symposium in Zibo, China. We made and wood-fired work at the Zibo Taishan Ceramics Co. Ltd. Great group of artists from 15 countries. Work that I brought from my studio was accepted by the Taishan Ceramics Museum and the new Museum of Ceramics Glass Art at the Qilu University in Jinan, China.
I was honored to be made a Guest Professor of Art at the Qilu University of Technology in Jinan, China
I leave for Zibo, China tomorrow to participate in an international ceramic workshop sponsored by the Taisan Porcelain Ceramic Company in Zibo City, Shandong Province. This will be my fifth time at this worshop. I look forward to meeting old friends, new artists and experiencing a new adventure.
Two of my 2013 ceramic pieces had been accepted to this year’s CLAY & INK 39 Exhibition. Snowfall Globe – 2013 (shown) and Winter Sunflower – 2013. The exhibition will be held at the Kellogg University Art Gallery at Cal Poly Pomona from Saturday, September 14 to Saturday, October 26, 2013. The clay juror was Stanton Hunter from Los Angeles. Happily, this is my four time participating in this competition.
On Thursday, I leave for three weeks of woodfiring ceramics in northern Japan at the Tsugaru Kanayama pottery. See these links: for earlier workshops I participated in there and the pottery website. This will be as small gathering of four artists from the USA and Turkey hosted by my friend Ryoji Matsumiya.
My work has also been selected for the Visions in Clay 2013 exhibition at the LH Horton Gallery at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton. This is my third time to be in this annual exhibition. This year the competition was juried by Peter Held, Curator of Ceramics, Arizon State University Museum. The exhibition runs from August 22 to September 19.
A view of the selected works for the Visions in Clay 2013 exhibition.
I just received a phone call that my piece SnowFall Globe received the IMCO vendor award at America’s ClayFest, the former Feats of Clay art show and clay competition. Ceramic artist Richard Shaw from the San Francisco Bay area, selected 79 pieces for the show this year with entrants from the United States, Canada, and Europe. The show runs May 10th through June 1st 2013 at the Blue Line Gallery in Roseville, CA.
With the very successful Open Studio this past weekend, I am now focused on the next big event: The Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival in July. It is scheduled for July 13 and 14 from 10 to 5 each day. The location is the Palo Alto Art Center on Newell Road at Embarcadero Road. It is a great show sponsored by the Association of Clay & Glass Artists of California (ACGA). This is an exhibit and show of over 160 juried Exhibiting Members of ACGA. Here is a link to more information: ACGA
Our exhibition Eight from ACGA opens tonight at the Davis Art Center . See the local papers news article at:http://www.davisenterprise.com/arts/eight-from-acga-opens-at-davis-art-center/
My stoneware pieces were selected for the 2013 California Clay Competition (CCC) in Davis, California and also for America’s Clayfest (formerly Feats Of Clay at Gladding, McBean) in Lincoln, California. This is my fourth time in the CCC and I participated in Feats of Clay twice before. These exhibitions take place in April and May.
Recently, an article about my approach to texturing was published in the national Chinese magazine China Ceramics Illustrated in Beijing in 2012.
My next Open Studio is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 4 & 5 in Portola Valley from 10am to 5pm.
I have posted two articles about my work on new pages of the website.
The first is entitled: Three Ceramic Artists Influential To Me.
The Second is entitled: About Textures
You can find them under the About menu
I will be showing my work with 7 other ACGA artists in Eight from ACGA at the Davis Art Center in Davis California. This is the third time my work has been selected for this juried exhibition. The exhibition runs Friday, April 26 through Friday, May 25.
This exhibition is in conjunction with the 24rd Annual California Conference for the
Advancement of Ceramic Art.
Davis Art Center, (530) 756-410
1919 F Street
Davis, CA 95616
ACGA got nice press coverage for the exhibition ACGA Clay & Glass National on NBCNEWS.com website and the Orange County Register. My works in the competition also received a nice comment in the article.
Happy New Year! This is the annoucemernt for the ACGA Clay & Glass National Competition in Brea, California.
Two of my 2012 pieces were accepted to the ACGA Clay & Glass National Competition in Brea, California. The exhibition at the City of Brea Art Gallery runs January 26 to March 1, 2013.
My work will be displayed in the ACGA exhibition entitled Good Company, Great Clay & Glass in California 1932 – 2012. “Good Company” speaks to the history of clay and glass in California and celebrates contemporary works by members of the Association of Clay and Glass Artists.
Reception: Saturday, January 21, 2-4pm
Petaluma Art Center, 230 Lakeville Street, Petaluma, CA 94952
Soon I leave for 3 weeks in Vadadora India to participate in a ceramics forum, exhibition and studio time with 18 members of the International Ceramic Artists Association. The events are hosted by the Uttarayan Art Foundation. Although I have been to India twice before, this is my first time focused on clay.
Please note the date for my next Open Studio: Saturday & Sunday, November 17 & 18, 10am to 5pm
See the new large Snowfall platters and wallhanging art.
Ceramics Lee Middleman, Bob and Sandy Kinzie, Linda Mau, Diane Levinson, Jo Killen and Tri Tran have an exhibition, Fire Inspired, in the San Jose City Hall Lobby. A reception is now set for November 7 from 6 to 8pm at City Hall, 200 East Santa Clara Street.
We hope you will attend. See the announcement/invitation attached.
Just returned from a Wood Firing Symposium at Hacettepe University in Ankara, Turkey. 21 Turkish artists and 11 foreign artists will create ceramic work, present at a symposium, fire the wood kiln, interact with students and enjoy Ankara.I have posted images from the event at this link: Images
My Korean ceramic artist visitors, Ahn Si Sung and Kim Young Soo, and I were interviewed on local Korean TV, KTSF. The program is The Journal Journal with host Sarah Kim-Lee. We had a great time.
I am currently participating in an international exhibition at the Hae Gang Ceramic Museum, Icheon City, Korea. The museum is a tribute to the ceramic artist Haegang (Yoo Kun-hyung) who spent his life’s work on the revival of Koryo celadon techniques which had been neglected for over 500 years.
Entitled ‘Fire Inspired: Asian Techniques and Traditions in Ceramic Art’, this exhibition of works by six San Francisco Bay area cerarmic artists is on display in the San Jose City hall lobby through 2012. To see images of the exhibition – click here.
My work has also been selected for the Visions in Clay 2012 exhibition at the LH Horton Gallery at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton. This is my third time to be in this annual exhibition. This year the competition was juried by Joe Bova, Professor Emeritas at Ohio State University School of Art. The exhibition runs from August 16 to September 13.
I work Sunflower – Winter Series 2012 has been accepted into the 20th annual Strictly Functional Pottery National. There were 1088 pieces submitted and Jack Troy selected 109 pieces. The exhibition runs from September 15 to November 4 at the Market House Craft Center, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This is my fourth time in this national competition exhibition, so I am very happy.
The Ink & Clay 38 online catalog is now up and running! My work is there.
My Open Studio is coming up soon – April 28 & 29, 10am to 5pm
Come visit and see my latest work. Pictured here is a closed form with my new Fire Glaze
I will be showing my work with 7 other ACGA artists in Eight from ACGA at the Davis Art Center in Davis California. The exhibition runs Friday, April 27 through Friday, May 25.
This exhibition is in conjunction with the 23rd Annual California Conference for the
Advancement of Ceramic Art
1919 F Street
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 756-4100
The Contemporary Clay Biennial 2012 has selected my Snowfall Globe. The exhibitiion will be held from May 18 to June 23 at The Art Center, Western Colorado Center for the Arts in Grand Junction, CO
My Carved Bottle – Sea Foam, 2012 has been purchased to be a part of the Forrest Merrill Fine Arts Collection, Berkeley, California. This collection contains the work of many California artists, both past and present.
Good news. My work Portola Sunflower has been selected for inclusion in the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art in Logan Utah. The museum on the Utah State University campus has an excellent collection of Western ceramic art. The collection has grown to more than 1,200 objects and represents the vessel tradition crafted by over 400 artists. This collection has become the largest regional repository of modern and contemporary American ceramics. I am happy to have my work in this collection.
My work Pine Globe – 2011 has been selected for the Ink & Clay 38 National Exhibition juried by Carol Sauvion at the Kellogg University Gallery at California State University in Pomona, CA. Lee’s work has also appeared in this annual exhibition in 2010 and 2008. The exhibition runs from March 15 to April 27, 2012.
My new license plate. Happy Holidays
I leave for Korea on Sunday. I will visit the International Ceramics Invitational Exhibition in An Yang City, Gyeongg-Do. I have ten works in the exhibition.
I will then make work and fire an ancient onggi kiln with Korean potters in Gimje. We will have an exhibition in the Korea Craft & Design Foundation Gallery in Insadong following the kiln opening. Large onggi jars shown here.
I just received notice that my ceramic piece Sunflower 2011 will be in the 2011 National Biennial Juried Ceramics Exhibition at NAU Art Museum, North Arizona University in Flagstaff. The exhibition runs from October 20 to November 23.
My work has been selected for the 19th annual Strictly Functional Pottery National Competition. This is the third year that my work has been selected. This piece is part of series of bottles recently carved and finished in my studio. The exhibition is open September 24 to November 6, 2011.
Market House Craft Center, East Petersburg, PA
My work is exhibited in the national exhibition Visions of Clay. It has awarded Third Prize by juror Judith Schwartz. August 18 to September 15, 2011
And one more video, this made by the Mid-Peninsula Media Center. Helen Willoughby-Peck, Liz Burkhouse, and I discuss our work and the Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival. See it on YouTube (click here)
Jack Hanson of KGO-TV interviewed me for Comcast Newsmakers TV at the Tech Museum in San Jose, May 25, 2011 See it on YouTube (click here)
KMVT Television interview – Part B by Suzanne Barnett with ACGA Exhibiting Members Lee Middleman, Lynn Wood, Bill Geisinger, and Phyllis Pacin. See it on YouTube (click here)
KMVT Television interview – Part A by Suzanne Barnett with ACGA Exhibiting Members Lee Middleman, Lynn Wood, Bill Geisinger, and Phyllis Pacin. See it on YouTube (click here)
My ceramic piece Carved Sea Foam Bottle won an award and cash prize at the California Clay Competition last month. This was the third time my work has been accepted into this competition exhibiotion and the second time I have received an award and cash prize.
I will be participating in the popular 19th Annual Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival – a fabulous, free, fun-filled 2-day celebration of Clay and Glass Art, Saturday & Sunday, July 9-10, 2011, 10am-5pm. Featuring both fine and functional art, the Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival is the largest show of its kind, with 180 juried artists displaying their work. Meet the artists and learn about their art. Enjoy a variety of engaging activities, including hands-on pottery-making and wheel-throwing demonstrations.
New Location! RINCONADA Park, 777 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto
(across Newell Rd from Palo Alto Art Center)
(Newell Rd. at Embarcadero Rd.)
Good news. My work has been selected for the exhibition The Art of Clay presented by the American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA) in Pomona, California. Three of my signature pieces will be displayed.
The Art of Clay is a biennial invitational and juried exhibition and is held in conjunction with American Ceramic Society – Design Chapter of Southern California. It takes place from June 9 through July 30, 2011.
Several of my pieces are also a part of the AMOCA permanent collection.
Ah, I do like to carve.
My work has been accepted for the CALIFORNIA CLAY COMPETITION EXHIBIT. Sponsored by The Artery and held in conjunction with the California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Art, the exhibition will feature 39 works from 39 artists selected by juror Nancy Servis.
Exhibition dates: April 29 to May 27, 2011
Opening Reception: Friday, April 29, 7-10 pm
My Open Studio is coming up soon – April 16 & 17, 10am to 5pm
Come visit and see my latest work. Pictured here is a spiral carved bottle
I will be exhibiting my work at the 54th Annual Saratoga Rotary Art Show. This is my first time at this art show, one the best, juried fine art shows in the western United States.
The Rotary Art Show will be held on the campus of West Valley College in Saratoga on Sunday, May 1, 2011 from 9AM to 5PM.
I really like the crackle surface on a white stoneware when glazed with a great celadon.
Here’s real close-up.
My next venue is:
Ikebana Exhibition – San Francisco
March 19-March 20
Ikebana International, S.F. Bay Chapter
Saturday & Sunday
10am – 4pm
Hall of Flowers
9th Avenue at Lincoln Way
San Francisco
Come visit my Open Studio
December 11-December 12
or by appointment, please call
Saturday & Sunday, 10am to 5pm
At my studio, 16 Coalmine View in Portola Valley
See map under CONTACT LEE
The Woodside Priory celebrates “One Town, Four Ceramic Artists“
Lee Middleman, Jan Schachter, Nina Else, Peggy Forman
An exhibition of functional and sculptural ceramic art from
November 22 through December 5, 2010.
At the Kriewall-Haehl Gallery
Rothrock Performance Hall, Woodside Priory,
302 Portola Rd, Portola Valley
(650) 851-8221
For directions call or visit: www.woodsidepriory.com.
In late October through mid-November, I was one of 16 artists from around the world participating in the International Ceramic Art Forum in Zibo City, Shandong Province, China. I presented a lecture entitled
Contemporary Art in California to the Forum and an invited lecturer at the Shandong University of Art and Design in Jinan, China and the Qingdao Techinical College in Qingdao. The work I create there in Zibo was on display at the Qingdao Art Museum in Qingdao City.
Lark Books has published a new book entitled 500 Vases. My Sunflower Vase – 2010 is featured in the book.
I have just returned from a three-week trip to Korea focused on ceramics. There I visited two ceramic artists (Sim, Jae Cheong and An, Si Sung). For two weeks, I worked in their studios, learned new techniques, and was inspired by their work. After visiting them, I participated in the 13th annual Macsabal Ceramic Festival in Osan organized by Kim, Yong Moon.
As a result of the visit, I was invited to participate in the 19th Sosabeol International Art Expo 2010 in Pyeongtaek, Korea. The expo takes place in October.
I have been selected to participate in two ACGA (Association of Clay and Glass Artists) exhibitions this Winter.
The first exhibition is ACGA @ MAH, an exhibition at Museum of Art & History at 705 Front Street in Santa Cruz, CA. The show runs December 18, 2010 to March 13, 2011.
The second exhibition is at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in Ojai, CA at 8560 Ojai-Santa Paula Road. The show runs from November 13, 2010 – January 2, 2011. See the website at: http://www.beatricewood.com/index.html
My piece Pine Globe was selected for the 18th Annual Strictly Functional Pottery National. This is the second time my work has been selected for this competition. The juror, Bill van Gilder, selected 109 pieces from 949 entries. The exhibition takes place at Market House Craft Center in East Petersburg, PA, from October 1 to November 14, 2010.
esterday I was interviewed by Sarah Kim-Lee for the TV program Korean Journal on KTSF. It was about my interest in Korea and Korean ceramics. It will be broadcast on KTSF this Saturday morning, April 17 at 6am (blah, so early) on Cable channel 8 or broadcast channel 26.
I have been selected to participate in the Contemporary Clay Biennial at The Art Center, Center for the Arts, Grand Junction, CO from May 14 through June 26, 2010. This is the third national Biennial Contemporary Juried/Invitational Exhibition.
My work has been selected for the national exhibition Feats of Clay XXIII. This is the second time I have participated in this competition. This exhibition will be held from April 24 to May 30, 2010 at the Lincoln Arts in Lincoln, CA.
Lincoln Arts, a non-profit public arts organization, was founded in 1986 to promote the arts, culture, and history in California.
The Ink & Clay 36 exhibition (at the Kellogg University Art Gallery at Cal Poly – Pomona) has selected my work for a cash prize – one of five prizes to be awarded at the reception on Sunday, March 21. This year’s exhibit features 91 pieces from 72 artists, covering a wide range of forms, styles and content. Here is a link: http://polycentric.csupomona.edu/news_stories/2010/03/ink-clay-36.html
What a surprise, after introducing my visiting Korean potter friends to the Korea Times, a local newspaper. They produced a front page article about me this week. See these links: ARTICLE and http://www.koreatimes.com/article/581472
My work will be exhibited in Ink & Clay 36, from March 18 to May 1. This is an annual competition, established in 1971, of prints, ceramic ware, and sculpture sponsored by the Kellogg University Art Gallery of California State Polytechnic University. My work was also selected in 2008.
I have been selected to participate in the juried group exhibition Eight from ACGA. This exhibition will take place in conjunction with the 21st Annual California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Art (CCACA), April 28 to May 21, 2010.
Juried by Marc Lancet, author, artist and ceramics professor, the exhibition will include of a body of work from eight ceramic artists who are members of ACGA.
The American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA) has accepted the ceramic piece entitled Sunflower – 2009 for the museum permanent collection. This is my second work to be included in the collection.
My work has been selected for two exhibitions during National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts conference in March. The work Sunflower – Desert Series was selected for the Potters Council show Fill-adephia 2010.
The second exhibition entitled Strictly Functional Pottery National: Then and Now is an invitational show based on people who won awards in previous Strictly Functional Pottery National exhibitions. Lee received the Innovation Award in 2006. Lee will display Snowfall shown here.
An article about the Best American Ceramic Art appeared in the popular magazine Readers in China last month. This is the centerfold spread.
The catalog from the exhibition The Best American Ceramic Art at the 12th Beijing International Art Expo in Beijing, China just arrived. My Sunflower 2009 vase is featured in the catalog.
I am happy to announce that Black Bean Ceramic Art Center Gallery is the newest gallery to exhibit and sell my work. They are located at 561 Emory Street in San Jose, CA.
During my Open Studio December 5 & 6, I will be offering ceramic art I woodfired in China and Japan during 2009. These pieces are distinctly different from the shapes and surfaces I make here in the US. I will, of course, also be showing new textured work developed in Portola Valley.
The kiln construction has begun at the Goshogawara Woodfire Festival here in northern Japan. You can see images here and also by visiting our Japanese language blog at:
http://blog.livedoor.jp/tsugarunpo/
This year 14 artists from 11 countries are participating. We will construct a salt kiln (shiogama) here and fire it and two other wood kilns. View the festival activities by going to the ‘INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP’ menu, click on ‘Japan and the ‘Goshogawara International Woodfire Festival 2009’
My work, Sunflower 2009, has been accepted into the exhibition ‘The Best of American Ceramic Art.‘ It will be displayed at the 12th International Art Exposition, August 27 to 31, 2009. The art expo is located in the China World Trade Center in east Beijing.
An article I wrote about the 2008 International Ceramic Forum in China has been published in the Turkish ceramics journal Seramik Turkiye in March 2009
I have posted images from the recent International Macsabal Woodfire Festival in Osan, Korea and the International Ceramics Forum in Zibo, China. You can view these images by going to INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOPS and scrolling down to the country of interest. Also see the recent journal and newspaper articles by going to the menu item ABOUT and scroll down to INTERNATIONAL PRESS.
New Videos Added to INTERNATIONAL VIDEOS I have uploaded videos of Kim Yong Moon and Park Soon Kwan working in my studio and at De Anza College here in California in March and April 2009.
Korean Potters Kim Yong Moon and Park Soon Kwan have been visiting for two weeks. They have made many pieces using traditional Korean techniques.
The website has been updated and refreshed. Please enjoy the new images added to many pages and the Flash images on the home page. Other pages have been reorganized and refreshed with a new color scheme.
Korean Potters will visit February 26-March 11
Kim Yong Moon (pictured) and Park Soon Kwan will visit and work in my studio. They are excellent potters who create both very traditional pottery and more contemporary work. Local artists and pottery lovers are welcome to come and visit, just call me first at 650.851.0295
My work entitled “Sunflower 2007” has been acquired by The Ceramics Collection of the Olympic City of Maroussi. Athens, Greece.
My work is featured in the new book “Selections of Ceramic Art From International Masters” published by the 2008 International Ceramic Forum in Zibo, China.
Finally, I am founding member and North American Chair of the newly established International Ceramic Artists Association.
Solar Powered! My Bailey front-loading electric kiln is now solar powered. These solar panels, mounted on the roof, generate 30 kWh per day, enough energy to power a typical firing.
This article recently appeared in the Goshogwara newspaper Too Nippo. In addition to interviewing me about the Woodfire Festival in Goshogawara, the article describes my “struggle” to make this new form. I do not recall saying “struggling”, but I did describe how the great throwing properties of Kanayama clay allow me to try new things.
The International Woodfire Festival ends today. We have fired three kilns and made many pieces. As new friends, we now return to our home countries with new ideas and perspectives.
We are now busy making work for our first firing next week. Here Lee adds black slip over a textured globe vase. See more images posted. Go to menu item INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOPS, then click on Goshogawara International Woodfire Festival – Japan 2008
The Goshogawara Woodfire Festival is in full swing. To see the artists and the activities go the website menu and click on INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOPS, then select Goshogawara International Woodfire Festival – Japan 2008
I will be participating in the Goshogawara International Woodfire Festival in Aomori, JAPAN. The festival will be held from July 1 to July 31, 2008. Artists from Japan, Korea, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Belgium, Romania, Uganda, Malaysia, Australia, USA, and Canada are participating. We plan to exchange techniques and share presentations about our work and ceramic activities in our native countries. Work made by the artists will be sold at Kanayama to support future festivals.
We will be firing noborigama, Hai Kabur, and Olsen cross-fire kilns during the month.
The participants for 2008 included:
Japan – Ryoji Matsumiya, Risako Noro, and Toru Chubachi
Belgium – Joelle Swanet
Canada – Lauren MacLean
USA – Lee Middleman, John Baymore
Turkey – Sevim Cizer
Pakistan – Raania Azam Khan Durrani
Australia – Rowley Drysdale
Malaysia – Yeow Seng Cheah
Uganda – Vicent Nsubuga
Romania – Ciprian Ariciu
Korea – Kang Hwa-Su, Ryu Nan-ho, Kim Se-ｗha
India – Meyyavelar Rengasamy, Ramiah Thangiah
After July 1, to see photos of the festival in progress, go to the menu bar, click on International Festivals, and select:
Goshogawara International Woodfire Festival – Japan 2008
My work “Sunflower – Desert Series 2007” has been selected by juror Judith Schwartz for the “Feats of Clay XXI 2008” exhibition at the Lincoln Arts & Cultural Foundation in Lincoln CA. The work was one of 80 selected from a field of 1100 entries by 500 artists. The national exhibition of contemporary ceramic art is held annually at the Gladding, McBean Terra Cotta Factory. The exhibition will run from April 26 to May 25.
Jihye begins to decorate her birds. These are initially thrown on the wheel and then altered. We held an open house today after our first glaze firing. Friends, artists, neighbors, customers, and students stopped by. We had a great time.
Su Cheon is explains the construction of a horse sculpture vase to Yonsoo Chung at during a workshop DeAnza College.
Myung, Jihye and Lee, Su Cheon are two Korean ceramic artists visiting and working in my studio for two weeks. We originally met at the Macsabal (natural rice bowl) Ceramic Festival in 2004 in Korea. Their work includes dinnerware, traditional folk ceramics and contemporary sculptural work. Here is a photo of Jihye working.
Two of my works have been selected for the Clay & Ink 34 exhibition at the Kellogg University Art Gallery at Cal Poly University in Pomona. The works, “Pine Globe” and “Wings” (show here), are among 128 works selected from 650 entries. The exhibition will run from March 20 to May 3.
The Sophia Project Gala is my next exhibition in the US. It takes place at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco on May 2 and 3. Friday is a special event by invitation only, while Saturday is open free to the public from 10am to 3pm. Valet parking available.
Sophia Project is a non-profit organization in West Oakland offering programs for children and mothers who are homeless, or at risk of being homeless.