Exhibition of the Ceramic Art of Nan and Jim McKinnell September 5, 2008

Clay and Glaze: The Ceramic Art of Nan and Jim McKinnell

presented at the Byers-Evans House Gallery

Clay and Glaze: The Ceramic Art of Nan and Jim McKinnell, opens Friday, September 5, at the Byers-Evans House Gallery and continues through Friday, October 31. This retrospective exhibition will highlight some of Colorado’s most precious artistic treasures – the ceramic art of Nan and Jim McKinnell. There is an opening reception during the First Friday Art Walk, Friday, September 5, from 5 - 9 p.m. (Press Preview Reception from 4 to 5 p.m.) and a special evening showing during First Friday Art Walk on Friday, October 3, 5 to 9 p.m. The Byers-Evans House Museum is located at 1310 Bannock Street, Denver, Colorado. Hours are 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Admission to the Byers-Evans House Gallery is free.

Working collaboratively through six decades, this extraordinary couple is internationally recognized for their numerous contributions toward the development of studio pottery and its acceptance as an art form. The McKinnells were early leaders of the post-World War II surge in interest in ceramics. Jim, known for his strong thrown and “tramp” pots, was also the designer of the first loose brick, portable, multi-chambered kilns. His contributions to the study of ceramic chemistry and technology were profound. Nan’s delicate thrown and hand-built porcelains, with their lustrous surfaces can be found in collections around the world, including that of the royal family of Japan and the Smithsonian Institute. Her, often translucent, work combines a sense of whimsy and elegance, with carvings of insects and plant life, as well as piercings and stampings.

In addition to teaching at the University of Colorado, Colorado State University and Loretto Heights College, the McKinnells studied, worked and taught at such renowned institutes as Alfred University, the Archie Bray Foundation, Edinburgh College of Art and the Glasgow School of Art.

This retrospective exhibition will feature classic works by Nan and Jim that span their ceramic career, drawn from their personal collection, the potters friends and private regional collections. In addition a limited number of recently released works will be available for sale and will benefit the Byers-Evans House Museum as well as the McKinnell Endowment for grants and scholarships at Arapahoe Community College.

Clay and Glaze: The Ceramic Art of Nan and Jim McKinnell opens with an evening reception during the Golden Triangle Museum District’s First Friday Art Walk on September 5, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., and continues through October 31, 2008.

The Byers-Evans House Gallery

Clay and Glaze: The Ceramic Art of Nan and Jim McKinnell

A retrospective exhibition featuring the ceramic art of Nan and Jim McKinnell.

Sept. 5 - Oct. 31

Fri. Sept. 5 and Fri. Oct. 3 from 5 - 9 p.m. for Art Walk

Daily Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tues. - Sun.

1310 Bannock Street, Denver, Colorado.

Admission to the Byers-Evans House Gallery is free.