Ceramics: Work by Marion Munk at the Highland Park Public Library

Marion Munk grew up on a chicken farm in Toms River during the 1930s and 1940s. She was an artist who grew up in one of the 40 different communities that drew people from the cities in the 1930s to start farming. The children of these New Jersey Chicken farmers, many who became artists, are being exhibited at the Highland Park Public Library throughout June. Marion Munk’s ceramics are being shown in the front hall display case.

An art reception and panel discussion will be held on Thursday, April 4 at 6:00 PM in the Meeting Room where art work by Phil Orenstein, Rena Siegel, Jerry Hirniak, Raphael Ortiz, Ellen Rebarber and Bill Giacalone will be displayed. At 7:30 PM the film, The Land Was Theirs, about the New Jersey chicken farmers, will be screened.

Marion Munk has a BA from Rutgers University’s Douglass College and an MFA specializing in ceramics. from Rutgers University. Munk has repeatedly visited the Czech Republic and is a regular participant in the international symposia organized in the town of Dubi near Teplice.

“I bring to my projects a fondness for clear, precise relations for cleanness of form and delight in joyful Playfulness,” Munk said about her exhibit. “I like most of all to depict the connections and shared spaces of sharply defined spherical bodies in white porcelain.”

Marion Munk, ceramics

A Little Retrospective – New Ceramics by Bryan Weitz

Bryan Weitz, a ceramic artist, is displaying a sampling of his ceramic works at the Highland Park Public Library through the month of February 2017 in the Main Hall Display Case.

“My earliest ceramics were attempts to understand the balance between the clay, the potter’s wheel, and my own hands. No easy task,” Weitz said. “After this, I spent a period making symmetrical wheel-thrown pots, using photos of traditional pottery to influence my forms.”

Weitz has completed a wide range of ceramic work. He has used many types of clay, developed many glazes (the glass-like surface of the ceramic), and used various methods of firing the clay.

“My most recent focus is on simple, organic-shaped serving bowls. I hope you enjoy my ‘little retrospective’.”

Weitz is a New Jersey native who delved into clay casually twenty five years ago. His first class was a wheel-throwing course at Parson’s school of design in New York City. He became enamored with the process of ceramics and continued classes at Parson’s as well as taking private classes and continued study at other institutions. As his skills developed, he participated in many craft fairs and sold work in fine craft shops in the Tristate area. As his work took on a more “artistic” style, he exhibited in shows and galleries.

Weitz

Ceramics from Nature – Kirsten Vogelius

Kirsten Vogelius, a potter, is exhibiting in the main Hall Display Case at the Highland Park Public Library from July 1 through July 31, 2016. Her display, Ceramics from Nature, features work inspired from natural elements, bark, seashells and wood.

According to the New Jersey potter, the experience of taking a lump of clay and forming it to something functional is magical.

“I love experimenting, combining new and old techniques, materials and forms, but I favor the mid-century Danish style, myself being a mid-century Dane,” Kristen said. “Nothing is more exciting than opening a kiln or pulling a piece from a hot fire—and seeing the magic—or disaster!”

Kristen Vogelius