DULUTH, GA.- “Collections in Clay: The Works of Eight Georgia Artists & Their Collections” opens on Tuesday, September 11, with a free Reception, open to the public, on Saturday, September 22, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. There will also be a Gallery Talk by Rick Berman, one of the featured artists, on Thursday, October 4, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., which is free for members of the Hudgens and included in the cost of admission for the general public. The exhibit will be on view from September 11 through December 22, 2012.

This diverse exhibit showcases eight Georgia clay artists, who are also collectors. Some started collecting before they started working with clay, and some were potters/sculptors and over time acquired their collection. Each of the eight will have two of their own works and six to eight pieces from their collection represented in this exhibit. The collection pieces are extremely varied, ranging from folk art face jugs to modern ceramic sculpture.

Curated by Vernon Smith, Ceramics Studio Manager at the Hudgens, the show includes collected pieces and works by Rick Berman, Tina Cox, Glenn Dair, Nancy Green, Richard and Dinah Stonis, Becky Strickland, and Smith himself. All of the collected pieces will be displayed alongside the artists’ own work, and visitors can judge for themselves the influence their collections have had on the artists.

For example, Richard and Dinah Stonis were collectors of folk art pottery for years before they decided to take a pottery class. As their understanding of the clay processes have grown, the works that they seek out to collect have changed. Dinah, now a full time sculptor, seeks out contemporary ceramic sculpture, and Richard is attracted to Japanese woodfired pottery.

Nancy Green, a potter from Athens, is inspired by the works of Warren MacKenzie and some of his students, like Michael Simon and Randy Johnston. Her collection includes works by these masters, as well as others of a similar tradition.

Smith states, “this is a terrific opportunity to see works by some great clay artists, whether contemporary, folk or traditional. I think everyone will find works that are both intriguing and beautiful to view.”

The Hudgens is again participating in Smithsonian Magazine’s annual Museum Day on Saturday, September 29, which offers free admission all day to those who register online at www.smithsonianmag.com/museum day. There will also be a Family Day on Saturday, October 13, which will include hands-on art activities for children from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m., and free admission all day.