Earth & Fire is a new national juried ceramic exhibition taking place at Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center in Wheeling.

Offering $7,000 total in cash prizes, including a top prize of $4,000, the show is juried by ceramic artists Jen Allen and Richard “Duke” Miecznikowski.

Earth & Fire is on display February 24–March 31, 2023. A free, public opening reception takes place at 6:30pm Friday, February 24.

Regular gallery hours are 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday and 10am-4pm, Saturday. Admission is free.

Earth & Fire is as a part of Ceramics Take Over Wheeling—a citywide event that celebrates ceramic artists and clay enthusiasts alike. Various galleries in the “Friendly City” will showcase ceramic art during the months of February and March 2023. Click here to learn more.

Sponsored by United Bank.

Special Workshops

From Slab to Fab with Jen Allen
February 25, 2023; 10am – 4pm 
Stifel Fine Arts Center

This workshop focuses on transforming two-dimensional slab shapes (from templates) into three-dimensional pottery forms. Jen begins with demonstrations of various stamp making techniques to dress up the clay slabs. Then, moves into the development of forms including a cup, a pitcher, a jar, a butter dish, a flower vase, etc. Adding details such as handles, knobs, and spouts will also be discussed. The goal of this demonstration is to demystify using templates and pattern to build thoughtful, useful pottery.

Jen Allen earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts (2002) from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, and a master’s degree in fine arts (2006) from Indiana University, Bloomington. From 1998-2002, she worked as a production assistant to Kris Bliss at Bliss Pottery in Anchorage, AK. In 2008, the National Council for the Education of Ceramic Arts (NCECA) recognized Jennifer as an “Emerging Artist.” Among other awards, she was received the 2006-2007 Taunt Fellowship at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, MT. In addition to keeping a home studio, Jennifer teaches ceramic classes at West Virginia University. She lives in Morgantown, WV with her husband Shoji Satake, their two kids, Annelise and Finn, and their two dogs, Billie and Ella.

Register online or call 304-242-7700.

Ceramic Workshop with Richard “Duke” Miecznikowski
March 11, 2023 ; 10am – 4pm 
Stifel Fine Arts Center

This one-day workshop with Richard “Duke” Miecznikowski is a demonstration of wheel-made pottery. He will demonstrate making and finishing a variety of wheel-thrown pieces. Demonstrations include some of the techniques in making functional as well as decorative work. There will be an opportunity for questions from the audience to dive deeper into his process and work.

Miecznikowski, who hails from the New Kensington and Natrona Heights area, has been making pots since graduating from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1967. Later, after graduating with a master’s degree in fine arts from the College of Ceramics, State University of New York at Alfred and widely recognized as one of the nation’s top ceramics departments, he took a teaching position at Fairmont State and Davis and Elkins colleges in West Virginia.

From 1976 to 1984, he made a living solely by making pottery at his studio in West Virginia. In 1988, he accepted a teaching position at Cal U. Through the years, Miecznikowski’s pottery has been exhibited and collected throughout the United States, including a prestigious White House commission he received during the Carter administration.

Register online or call 304-242-7700.

Stifel Center Art Exhibit Season

A vibrant public space accessible to everyone, the Stifel Fine Arts Center showcases the work of established and emerging artists. Year-round, changing exhibits encourage enjoyment and appreciation of visual art through direct engagement with original works in traditional and non-traditional mediums.

Exhibits provide a platform for critical thinking, stimulate learning about art and the creative process and challenge viewers to expand the definition of art and reflect on the role of art in society.

Exhibits are free and open to the public to tour.

About the Stifel Fine Arts Center

Housed in the historic Edemar Mansion, the Stifel Fine Arts Center is a treasure trove for artistic expression and personal fulfillment. As a public arts center, the community can enjoy our galleries, classrooms and performance spaces. Artists, art lovers, students, educators and families gather here to connect and engage in creative pursuits.

Tour our art galleries and see the work of local, regional and national artists. You can take a class in painting, pottery, jewelry making and more. Our classes and workshops provide knowledge and tools to explore the visual arts.

Attend a jazz concert, wine tasting or craft beer event. The elegant setting is ideal for date nights and evenings out with friends.