June 22,- Brookfield Craft Center is pleased to present a unique exhibit of clay and papier-mache works by nationally renowned artist Alison Palmer. An opening event and reception, with the artist will be held on July 7^th, from 5-8pm in the Lynn Tendler Bignell Gallery at 286 Whisconier Road.  The exhibit will continue through July 29^th.  Gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday noon – 5pm, Saturday 11-5pm, Sunday Noon – 4pm.

Ms. Palmer resides in Kent.  She received a BFA in ceramics from the California College of Arts. Her works are represented in numerous galleries, museum shops and catalogs throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Ms. Palmer’s work is about the celebration of life and the natural world. “Animal imagery in clay has always been my chosen expression. Sometimes I make pots into animals and sometimes animals out of my pots. My search is to find the balance between pottery form and animal form and make them fit as one. I strive to achieve a lighthearted meld”.

Spending time in Mexico has influenced her artistic direction and endeavors. “Spending the   winter in Merida, Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula. There is limited access to good clay there, but I wanted to continue practicing my art. I began making papier-mache masks since I wanted to make art that was relevant to Mexican culture. Papier-mache is accessible to everyone. Every child has at least one piñata for their birthday. The parades are full of giant puppets, gigantes, with masks made of papier-mache. It is my way of meeting and connecting with people”.

Howard Lasser, Brookfield Craft Center Executive Director said: “we are always excited to provide local artists a venue to exhibit their work, and this exhibition of multi media work is an exceptional opportunity for the public to see and experience a mix of work and cultural exploration”.

About the Brookfield Craft Center – The Brookfield Craft Center (BCC) was founded in 1952 and is recognized as one of the core fine craft schools in America. The center, incorporated in 1954 is a 501(c)(3) organization, offering classes and workshops in glass arts, woodturning, ceramics, jewelry, blacksmithing, fiber arts and other creative endeavors for children and adults taught by professional faculty. The summer “Hands on Art” program provides age appropriate programs for all children during summer months. The historic Mill Building (ca 1780) Gift Shop and Exhibition Gallery is a beautiful venue for displaying fine craft. All works are carefully juried and are representative of the type of skills individuals can learn in our classes. As a force for arts advocacy and community building, Brookfield Craft Center strives to teach and preserve the skills of fine craftsmanship, and to enable creativity and personal growth through craft education.