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'Chinese Folk Pottery: The Art of the Everyday,' at Castellani Art Museum, explores minyao tradition

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Mon, Jan 23rd 2017 12:50 pm

A new folk arts exhibition at the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University explores minyao - literally, "folk ware" - a general term for the traditional pottery made throughout China in local, private kilns. "Chinese Folk Pottery: The Art of the Everyday opens with a reception featuring light refreshments from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11.

In 1998, two Michigan ceramists, Marie Woo and John Stephenson, received grants from the Asian Cultural Council and the Rockefeller Foundation to explore the diverse folk pottery traditions in China. This multiyear research led to the International Chinese Folk Pottery Exhibition/Symposium & Films in 2013 at the University of Michigan Museum of Art, from which the "Chinese Folk Pottery: The Art of the Everyday" traveling exhibit emerged.

Contrasted with imperial porcelain - intricately decorated ceramics made in official kilns - minyao is defined by its local creation and use in everyday life. Due to its regional roots, minyao reflects the specific lifestyles, needs and challenges of the diverse communities that produce them. "Chinese Folk Pottery: The Art of the Everyday" highlights this largely overshadowed Chinese pottery tradition and the contemporary challenges it faces from modernization.

"Chinese Folk Pottery: The Art of the Everyday" is on display from Feb. 11 through July 2. This exhibition and accompanying programming is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. For more information, contact Edward Millar, curator of folk arts, at 716-286-8290, [email protected].

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