Toshiko Takaezu (1922 - 2011), a Japanese-American ceramist whose closed pots and torpedo-like cylinders, derived from natural forms, helped to elevate ceramics from the production of functional vessels to a fine art. Early in her career she made traditional vessels but in the late 1950s, strongly influenced by the Finnish ceramist Maija Grotell, she embraced the notion of ceramic pieces as artworks meant to be seen rather than used.
Takaezu taught for 25 years at Princeton University, where she was a mentor who shaped the lives of generations of artists. In 1975, she was inducted into the American Craft Council's College of Fellows, and in 1994, was awarded the organization's Gold Medal for consummate craftsmanship. Of the award she wrote: "Whenever I receive an honor or recognition, I think of my many mentors and feel they have played a very important part in my life. . . . I would like to recognize these people, most of whom are unaware of the role they played in furthering my career. I am also grateful for many years of teaching, which allowed me to grow and to experiment and should not be forgotten."
Featuring work by Toshiko Takaezu, Hoyt Barringer, Bill Baumbach, Ben Eberle, Don Fletcher, Yuichiro Komatsu, John Mosler, Andy Rahe, Martha Russo, Liz Smith, Skeff Thomas.