Sweet Briar College will exhibit the works of ceramic artists Don Davis and Jim Chalkley from March 1 to May 20 in the Babcock Fine Arts Center Gallery. The show will open with a reception and talk by the artists from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 1. The opening and exhibit are free and open to the public.

“Both of these guys have made their living working with clay for years,” said Joe Monk, a Sweet Briar studio arts professor who’s known both artists professionally for much of that time.

Don Davis, “Wiggle Basket,” porcelain, wood-fired.Although both are “top-drawer” potters, they bring different approaches to their art, Monk said. “The similarities would be in the high quality of work.”

In his artist statement Davis says that for him, form trumps function. Yet his inspiration derives from pottery that was made to be used. “I usually find myself more excited by exploring ancient artifacts than by my visits to contemporary art galleries,” he writes.

Although most of his work can be functional, he says, it’s not his first concern.

Chalkley, however, is interested in contemporary art and interior design, and is noted for his original dinnerware, bowls sets and other functional pieces. As a teacher and artist, he concentrates on ceramics design and processes.

Jim Chalkley, Mount Saint Angelo Series, 2005, porcelain, hand-thrown and hand-carved, 16 inches in diameter.Davis is an associate professor in East Tennessee State University’s department of art and design. He began teaching there in 1999 after many years as a studio potter in North Carolina.

Although he says he is happiest when he’s throwing pots, he has found time to write a book, “Wheel Thrown Ceramics,” and has a continuing series of videos, “Pottery Basics I and II.” He is working on a second book.

Davis’ work is in permanent collections at the Mint Museum of Charlotte, N.C., International Museum of Ceramics in Alfred, N.Y., and Shirakawa City Hall in Shirakawa, Japan.

Davis received his Master of Fine Arts from Rhode Island School of Art and Design and his B.F.A. from the University of Florida.

Chalkley also has taught for many years and is adjunct associate professor of art at Old Dominion University. A native Virginian, he’s spent most of his life in the Tidewater making and teaching ceramic art and collecting furniture. His home is in Suffolk.

Chalkley earned his bachelor’s from Virginia Commonwealth University and his M.F.A. from Alfred University, New York State College of Ceramics.

His works have been featured in numerous national exhibitions, publications, and public and private collections.

For more information, e-mail rmlane@sbc.edu
or call (434) 381-6248.

— By Jennifer McManamay, SBC staff writer