The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) Visual Arts Gallery is pleased to announce “Between Horizons,” a solo exhibition by ceramicist Ellen Kleckner. The exhibition, featuring works is ceramic and craft-based media, opens March 17 and runs through April 10. A closing reception will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on April 10 at the UIS Visual Arts Gallery. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend.

“Between Horizons” is presented in conjunction with “Shapes of Influence,” a national juried exhibition at the Springfield Art Association (SAA) that highlights excellence in contemporary ceramics. As juror for “Shapes of Influence,” Kleckner creates an exciting dialogue between these respective exhibitions and the broader field of contemporary ceramics. The two exhibitions will hold receptions on consecutive nights: “Between Horizons” at UIS on April 10, followed by “Shapes of Influence” at the SAA on April 11. This collaboration between the UIS Visual Arts Gallery and the SAA celebrates the significance and innovation of
contemporary ceramics.

“Between Horizons” invites reflection on the beauty of transitions, the pull of opposites and the connections we forge in the spaces between. Through the interplay of ceramics, wood, steel and reed, these works reflect a balance between strength and fragility, independence and reliance.

The horizon, a place of both connection and separation, inspires the exploration of these thresholds. Each vessel reflects a dialogue between material and place to honor craft traditions and invite transformation through collaboration. Joinery systems bind disparate elements to emphasize interdependence and the quiet strength found in mutual reliance.

Kleckner (she/her) is an artist and educator living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Her artistic practice weaves together community engagement, material investigation and collaboration. She studied ceramics at the Appalachian Center for Craft, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and Ohio University where she earned a master’s degree in fine arts . Kleckner is the executive director of the Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio, a non-profit community art center.

Kleckner has exhibited nationally and internationally, including shows at KVALITRA Gallery, Arrowmont School of Craft, Baltimore Jewelry Center, Gilded Pear Gallery, Mezinarodni Muzeum Keramiky and Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. She has received numerous awards and grants to support her craft research, including support from the Iowa Arts Council and National Council for Education in the Ceramic Arts.

The UIS Visual Arts Gallery acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council
Agency. Located in the Health and Science Building (HSB 201) on the UIS campus, the gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information about this and future exhibitions, visit UIS Visual Arts Gallery website.

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