BAM Biennial 2010: Clay Throwdown! is the inaugural edition of BAM’s new, juried exhibition series. With over 30 participating artists, it provides a panoramic survey of ceramic art created in the Pacific Northwest and a glimpse into the many directions in which this dynamic medium is moving.
Clay Throwdown! features a select blend of both emerging and established artists with an emphasis on new and site-specific works. It reflects the diverse responses of contemporary artists to one of the oldest media known to man: clay. From personal gestures to commentary on today’s social issues, Clay Throwdown! assembles a wide range of voices unique to the Pacific Northwest and our time.
The competition is accompanied by two distinct awards: The Samuel & Patricia Smith People’s Choice Award, selected by Museum visitors, and the John & Joyce Price Award of Excellence, chosen by the Museum’s curators. Both awards come with a $5,000 cash prize. The latter also provides the winning artist with an opportunity to have a future solo exhibition at BAM. Congratulations to Dirk Staschke who received the 2010 John & Joyce Price Award of Excellence.
Cast your vote! Be sure to visit BAM by October 27th to vote for your favorite artist. The Samuel & Patricia Smith People’s Choice Award will be announced at the October 28th Members’ Reception.
ABOUT BAM BIENNIAL
BAM Biennial is a juried exhibition that occurs every two years starting in 2010. It brings attention and exposure to the work of contemporary artists and craftsmen in the Pacific Northwest. For each edition, the Museum designates a new focus, exploring a specific medium, technique, process or theme in art, craft and design, the Museum’s artistic focal point.
More than 170 proposals were submitted to the 2010 edition which is focused on the theme of clay. 34 artists have been selected to participate in the competition. Submissions were reviewed by a select panel of four jurors comprised of: Bif Brigman, collector (Seattle, WA); Stefano Catalani, Director of Curatorial Affairs/Artistic Director, Bellevue Arts Museum (Bellevue, WA); Akio Takamori, artist (Seattle, WA) and Namita Wiggers, Curator, Museum of Contemporary Craft (Portland, OR)
Bellevue Arts Museum is the Pacific Northwest’s center for the exploration of art, craft and design through exhibitions, educational programs and partnerships, emphasizing the work of regional artists.
Bellevue Arts Museum
510 Bellevue Way NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
www.bellevuearts.org