Bottomless Cups and Other Things, 2021

Chin + Francos at Kaneko, Omaha, Nebraska.

At The Kaneko:

In the winter of 2021, as the world braved the challenges of the pandemic, a beacon of artistic inspiration illuminated the halls of The Kaneko in Omaha, Nebraska. Three exceptional artists, Alan Chin, Tom Franco, and Iris Torres, were bestowed with the honor of being the first visiting artists during these unprecedented times.

Their collaborative exhibition, aptly named "Bottomless Cups and Other Things," breathed life into the sanctuary of clay. With their skilled hands and boundless creativity, they embarked on a mission to pay homage to the revered masters and unsung heroes of the ceramic community. Their artistry sought to capture the essence of clay's rich legacy and the enduring beauty it bestowed upon the world.

Within the walls of The Kaneko, the artists' visions materialized in the form of exquisite clay sculptures and glazed creations. Each piece radiated a vibrant energy, a testament to the artists' dedication to their craft. From delicate vessels that seemed to overflow with boundless possibilities to intricately sculpted figures that mirrored the human spirit, their art celebrated the timeless allure of clay.

But their artistic endeavors did not stop there. The trio sought to extend their creative reach beyond the confines of the gallery space. Inspired by a desire to nurture and uplift the community, they embarked on a meaningful project in collaboration with a Sudanese refugees after-school program, held in The Kaneko's education center.

In this vibrant hub of learning, predominantly filled with middle and high school athletes, a sense of artistic exploration ignited. Guiding them through the world of clay was the esteemed Artist Theram Stamton, renowned for his exceptional work in glass. Together, they discovered the power of clay as a medium for self-expression and storytelling, transcending language barriers and cultural divides.

Under the careful guidance of the artists, the young participants molded clay into captivating forms, channeling their experiences, dreams, and hopes into tangible expressions of art. The atmosphere buzzed with joy and camaraderie, as the artists and students bridged the gap between their diverse backgrounds through the universal language of creativity.

The resulting artworks became testaments to resilience, unity, and the transformative power of art. They breathed life into the concept of community, where individuals from different walks of life collaborated and found solace in shared creativity.

As the winter days melted away, the exhibition at The Kaneko flourished into an immersive celebration of clay's legacy, from the remarkable contributions of renowned ceramic artists to the boundless potential of those just beginning their artistic journeys. It became a vibrant tapestry of inspiration, gratitude, and the profound impact that art can have even in the most challenging of times.