New BACC exhibit to showcase local glass artist, ceramics

Ceramic and glass art will be the focus of the Bigfork Art and Cultural Center’s new exhibit: Then and Now: Ceramics and Blown Glass of the Flathead, which opens at the center Friday, Sept. 1.

Beginning with the opening reception at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 1, the new exhibit will showcase the contemporary new glass art by local artist Lee Proctor along with the ceramics work of David Shaner as part of the private collection of Harry and Meredith Endsley.

Proctor creates amazing and unique glass and metal sculptures of varied works, from whimsical birds to special architectural works for the home while Shaner’s functional and sculptural pieces are clearly rooted in the vessel tradition with the majority of his work being sturdy, functional domestic pieces.

Shaner’s work shows his mastery of the wheel and ability to choose the right firing technique, be it a gas or wood kiln.

He was a master of combining clays and minerals to produce unique colors and combinations with “Shaner Red” being perhaps his best known color.

His work reflects his deep connection with the natural world with many of his works now in the Smithsonian catalogue.