The juried ceramics competition focuses on and is dedicated to functional clay vessels. Each submission for IOC is judged in four areas: function, form/aesthetic, craftsmanship, and surface design.

Watermark Art Center to host open house for the 19th Annual It’s Only Clay National Juried Exhibit featuring work by this year’s Juror Mark Lambert, including Japanese inspired floral arrangements provided by Fisher Jambor, PFD of KD Floral. The public is invited to join us on Friday, November 1st from 5 to 7pm for an artist reception including work by Lambert and over 20 artists from around the US. Artist talk and awards will be announced at 6pm.

Lambert will also give a talk on Saturday, November 2nd at the Watermark from 9am to 10:30am – “Contemplating the Flower” – The art of Iga style pottery, flora and Japanese aesthetic.

“While creating Iga style vases, I envision showcasing the flowers. The coarse rough clay, harsh rib marks, dry surfaces dusted with ash, a line of glaze running or pooling, stout forms and heavy clay walls contrast the delicacy of petals. The service these vessels give is to showcase and honor the plant material. Traditionally, these arrangements are placed in the tokonoma to be viewed and contemplated daily. Flowers carry many metaphors. Their colors exuberate a vitality in life. Their delicacy tutors us to entreat others with kindness. Their fragrance exemplifies joy in giving. Their withering on a windowsill implies that death is imminent. Their blooming is a reminder that in life, growth takes effort and time.”

There is no charge to attend the Friday open house or Saturday artist talk. Watermark Galleries are accessible, free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information contact 218-444-7570 or visit watermarkartcenter.org.