CONCORD, MASS.- Lacoste Gallery presents a historic exhibition Warren MacKenzie and John Reeve: Kindred Spirits from September 9 – 30, 2017 at Lacoste Gallery 25 Main St Concord MA and the accompanying Panel Discussion on September 8 at Harvard Ed Portal 224 Western Ave Allston MA..

This exhibition features the works of American Studio Pottery Master Warren MacKenzie and the late ceramic artist John Reeve (1929 – 2012) highlighting these post WWII ceramic leaders’ work exemplifying the Mingei aesthetic of the lowest is the highest, making pottery accessible to everyone yet each piece a unique work of art.

Mackenzie is a pioneer of the Studio Pottery movement in the USA. He graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago and apprenticed with Bernard Leach. He taught at the University of Minnesota for over 40 years and held the role of Regent Professor for 14. He is a legendary figure in Minnesota and beyond and has taught and influenced many well-known studio potters such as Randy Johnston, Mark Pharis, Michael Simon and Wayne Branum.

Reeve was born in Ontario, Canada and studied ceramics at the Vancouver School of Art. He was an itinerant artist; traveled and practiced studio pottery making in Canada, UK and the US. He viewed making pots as a vocation in which he devoted his energy and spirit into each piece of work. In the 70s, Leach appointed Reeve as his Studio Manager when he was unable to run it himself. Reeve passed away at home in Abiquiu, New Mexico in 2012.

Warren on John: “We were both seeking our own language. We shared the idea that pots should be made easily and quickly; they should not be elaborate things. We didn’t have to explain ourselves to one another.”

Nora Vaillant, the curator and author of John Reeve: Some Hidden Magic will speak about Reeve at the Panel discussion. Mark Pharis, a renowned student of MacKenzie, friend and his successor at the University of Minnesota ceramics department will speak about Mackenzie. Mary Barringer, former long serving editor of Studio Potter and internationally recognized ceramics maker will lead the panel and moderate the conversation.

“This is an exhibition I have long wanted to have after hearing Warren sing praises of John for many years. They have so much in common. They both apprenticed with Bernard Leach after reading his book ‘A Potter’s Book’ and both dedicated their lives to functional pottery. As Warren puts it, John was his ‘best double’. After meeting Nora, who revived John’s career by cataloging his pots and writing the book on him, I am thrilled to bring them together at last. “ – Lucy Lacoste

The Opening Reception is on Saturday September 9th from 3 to 5pm and is free to the public. The gallery is wheelchair accessible.

Tickets for the Panel Discussion is $30, available by emailing info@lacostegallery.com or calling 978 369 0278.