Jefferson Arts Council (JAC) is excited to announce ‘Joy Bridy: Play’, an exhibit of new works by the Jefferson County artist potter, as the May exhibit in Charles Town’s Fire Hall Gallery.
Inspired by her time teaching at the Shepherdstown Day Care over the past six years, Bridy has taken the playful and instinctual energy that she experiences each week in the classroom, and focused that spirit on her studio practice. The resulting work ranges from loose and organic functional ware to story-based installations.
“Each Thursday morning, I take clay to children 3-5 years old, and with a quick pace and open mind, watch them make their ever-changing ideas happen. From bathtubs for dogs to fantastical characters on playgrounds, each child discovers their own unique interests and abilities, building skills and confidence through process and experimentation. When I come back to my studio, there is residual energy left from their big creative minds. I try to capture that spirit in my own way, remembering that play is the work of the child, and sometimes of the artist,” says Bridy.
The Opening Reception will be held on Friday, May 8, 6-8pm. Visitors are welcome to explore the exhibit amid conversation and snacks. Bridy will be available for questions, and wall text will describe some of the processes and inspirations. All are welcome.
Joy Bridy: Play will be on exhibit May 1-26, 2015. The Fire Hall Gallery is located in Downtown Charles Town, inside the Visitor’s Center at 108 N. George St. The Gallery is shared with the Washington Street Artists’ Cooperative, and open seven days a week, 10am-5pm.
For more information, visit Jefferson Arts Council on Facebook.
Contacts:
Joy Bridy: joybridy@yahoo.com 304.876.0750
Dow Benedict: dbenedic@shepherd.edu