Mata Ortiz artists bring pottery to SFA
October 23, 2009
Mata Ortiz pottery such as this example will be exhibited at SFA's The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House Tuesday, Oct. 27, through the month of November. Two artists from Chihuahua, Mexico, who specialize in this art form will present a public lecture on their work at 4:45 p.m. Oct. 27 in Room 106 of the SFA Art Building.
NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - "Precise and beautiful" are two words that are often used to describe the Mata Ortiz pottery that will be displayed from Tuesday, Oct. 27, through the month of November in the upstairs hallway of The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches.
The 10 pieces are creations of Julian Hernandez and Nick Zamora of Chihuahua, Mexico, who will deliver a public lecture on their pottery at 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, in Room 106 of the Stephen F. Austin State University Art Building. The public is also invited to the exhibition's opening that will include a potluck dinner with the artists that evening at 6:30 p.m. at The Cole Art Center.
Mata Ortiz pottery is a style of pottery that originated during the Pre-Columbian period in Paquimé, the largest ancient city of northern Mexico, and is named for the small village whose inhabitants revived the ancient style and methods of their ancestors, explained Kera Enriquez, SFA post-graduate fellow in art and Chihuahua native. The hand-formed ollas, or pots, which traditionally are fired outdoors, are hand-painted with intricate designs.
Enriquez emphasized the value of every person having the opportunity to experience other cultures. "The School of Art is definitely committed to providing its students with these kind of experiences by bringing visiting artists from many different places and by continuously presenting informative exhibitions in our galleries," she said. "I am very glad and proud to have the opportunity to share at least a small part of Mexico's beauty in the work created by the potters from Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua."
The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. Regular gallery hours are 12:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. For more information, please call (936) 468-1131.