FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (10/05)
Contact: Diane Dufilho, Director, Meadows Museum of Art, 318-869-5169, or Lynn Stewart or Kelsey Johnson, Centenary News Service, 318-841-7265

Centenary's Meadows Museum Showcases Japanese Artwork at A Glimpse into Echizen Ceramics Exhibition

	An Echizen teapot, one of the many Japanese ceramics on display at Meadows Museum Nov. 12-Jan. 29.

SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary College's Meadows Museum of Art hosts a new exhibition A Glimpse into Echizen Ceramics Saturday, Nov. 12 through Sunday, Jan. 29. This exhibition is accompanied by a calendar of events that includes a members' preview and reception, lectures on the art of bonsai trees and the history of Echizen ceramics, a docent training session, a holiday sale of Japanese objects and a special Japanese Family Day Celebration.

A Glimpse into Echizen Ceramics offers a window into the community, clay and culture of Echizen, Japan. Echizen ceramics refer to the utilitarian pottery produced by families located in the Fukui prefecture a few miles from the coast of the Sea of Japan. The production of Echizen ceramics has continued unbroken for the past 800 years and the craft has been handed down within the Echizen families from generation to generation.

A selection of works from 40 artists illustrates the compelling story of contemporary craftspeople making meaningful objects in this centuries-old tradition. Japanese woodblock prints from the Meadows Museum of Art's permanent collection are installed along gallery perimeters as a complement to the exhibition of clay works.

This exhibition has been organized for travel by Christopher Kelly, assistant professor of art at Shorter College in Rome, Ga., in cooperation with Naomi Hashimoto, chief of Echizen pottery promotion in Japan. The printing of educational and informational materials has been made possible by a grant from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Museum receives general operating support from the Shreveport Regional Arts Council with funds from the City of Shreveport. The museum receives annual support from the Friends of the Algur Meadows Museum.

For further information on any of the events listed in the following exhibition calendar, call Meadows Museum at 318-841.7271.

Exhibition Calendar:

• Saturday, Nov. 12, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
  Members' Preview and Reception featuring Japanese delicacies, a silent auction of Japanese items, a special performance by the Japanese dancers from the Multicultural Center of Shreveport, taiko drumming and the making of o-cha (Japanese tea); free for museum members, $10 fee for non-members
• Sunday, Nov. 13, 2-3 p.m.
  "Bonsai, the Art of the Potted Tree" lecture with Robert Specian; Japanese refreshments
• Saturday, Nov. 26, 1-4 p.m.
  Japanese Family Day Celebration on the museum grounds featuring family raku and origami projects, tanabata making, o-mochi and tea ceremony, taiko drumming and Japanese refreshments
• Sunday, Nov. 27, 2-3 p.m.
  "The History of Echizen Ceramics" lecture with Curator Christopher Kelly; Japanese refreshments
• Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 26 and 27, 1-4 p.m.
  Museum Store Holiday Sale featuring Japanese objects and more
• Monday, Nov. 28, 9:30-11:45 a.m.
  Docent training with Christopher Kelly, breakfast refreshments and social time, then training beginning at 10 a.m.

The Meadows Museum of Art is located on the campus of Centenary College of Louisiana at 2911 Centenary Blvd. The Museum is free and open to the public. The Museum's hours of operation are listed below. For further information, or to receive a 2005-06 Exhibition and Program Guide, call 318-869-5040 or visit http://www.centenary.edu/meadows/index.htm.

General Hours of Operation
Sunday: 1-4 p.m.
Monday: closed
Tuesday: noon-4 p.m.
Wednesday: noon-4 p.m.
Thursday: 1-4 p.m.
Friday: noon-4 p.m.
Saturday: 1-4 p.m.

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