BROCKTON, MASS.- From 1976 – 1984, ten ceramic artists operated out of a dynamic gallery and cooperative workspace in the historic A. H. Davenport building in East Cambridge, Massachusetts. Named Clay Dragon Studios, this collaborative became a springboard for creativity and an influential foundation for numerous artists in contemporary ceramics. Now 30 years later, this retrospective exhibition showcases the rich range of mature styles, diverse materials, and new developments of former Clay Dragon Studios members. This exhibition is curated by Ellen Schön, with Judith Motzkin and is dedicated to the memories of Shellie Zimmerman Brooks and Elee Koplow. The following artists are featured in the exhibition: Shellie Z. Brooks (post), Ellen Grenadier, Abby Huntoon, David Judelson, Elee Koplow (post), Jod Lourie, Judith Motzkin, Ritvaliisa Ojanen, Ellen Schön, Richard Studley, Nancy Train Smith, Kyoko Tonegawa.
In 1976, ten ceramic artists renovated 6,000 square feet of raw industrial space in the historic A.H. Davenport building at 26 Otis Street in East Cambridge, Massachusetts. There, they created Clay Dragon Studios--a dynamic, cooperative workspace and gallery.
There was an idealistic spirit to the enterprise—the goal was to “make the studio work for everyone.” As founding member, the late Shellie Z. Brooks, put it, “Our venture was embarked upon…with a great deal of love. Clay Dragon was an exciting, challenging, and inspiring place to work.” The participating artists were recognized professionals in their field. Many received artist fellowships from the Massachusetts Council on the Arts and Humanities (now the Mass Cultural Council). All had substantial exhibition records both individually and as a group.
When the Davenport building was sold in 1984, the artists decided, however, that despite their success as a prominent collective, they were ready to dissolve the group and travel their separate ways. Though 30 years have passed, the original vision of Clay Dragon Studios--creativity, cooperation, and shared commitment to “making it work”— is an influence still felt.
This reunion exhibition showcases the rich range of mature styles and diverse materials of former Clay Dragon Studio members. Some artists have continued working with clay; others are pursuing the visual arts through installation, sculpture, painting, furniture, industrial design, and jewelry. The show celebrates individual artistic integrity, new developments in form and process, and significant new ways of revisiting previous artistic themes.
