Princeton Art Guild and Gallery Executive Director Melissa Peek has announced the work of JA Jones Pottery is being featured in its Charles Alvin Lisanby Gallery through April 28th.
Jones said in a release that she has always been pigeonholed within a corporative structure and in 2000, she tried her hand at soap making as a release from everyday stress and tension. To expand her soap line, she ventured into pottery with a plan to add soap dishes. She noted that her initial clay introduction in 2005 was under the guidance of Sandy Culp at Callanwolde studios in Atlanta. Further explorations in the world of gift and mud, she added, were provided by Jennifer McCurdy and Fern Carter — both accomplished ceramic artists with National recognition. She said they encouraged her to enjoy the challenge of making a functional piece of pottery but also a conversation piece that begs to be more picked up and examined with a thorough eye and joyful spirit. Jones said she knows now that nothing brings more pleasure than to have someone stop, point, laugh, and enter her world of whimsical fancy.
According to Jones, her work most of which is fanciful, suggests a co-existence with nature. She noted that her whimsical pieces, for example, Country Clucker chickens, symbolically illustrate humanity with the chickens crowing or clucking but always interacting lightheartedly with one another.
In addition, Jones expresses that her more conservative works can reflect the dramatic impact of our environment, while her urban development-inspired pieces evoke a sense of peace and serenity in viewers. From fields of grasses and ladybugs to bright flowering vines and daisies, her artworks transport the audience to a tranquil realm.
The Guild House, located at 115 East Main Street in downtown Princeton, is open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
An artist reception will be held Saturday afternoon, March 25, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. when Jones’ work will be celebrated. Peek invites the public to stop by and meet Jones and see her work in their main gallery. She says refreshments will be available. The event is free.
JA Jones Pottery and Old World Soaps shop is scheduled to open on Saturday, April 1st, at 1104 Flynn’s Ferry Road in Fredonia. The shop will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
