Pottery in Lockdown
Clockwise from top left: Nina Goldfeather, Ballerina #3, Sculpture- fired clay with glazes; Nora Sarkissian, Girl Who Could Twirl in the Swirl of Life, Sculpture- glazes on fired clay; Catherine Merrill, Sad Mother Earth, Sculpture- fired clay
Clockwise from top left: Jean Ng, Katie Dauser, Eko Wright, Catherine Merrill

Welcome to the KCAI Inaugural Alumni Accomplishment Showcase. This online showcase provides a visual career update from more than 100 Alumni in 12 disciplines, spanning across six decades in a wide range of media. The level of creativity and skill is further proof that KCAI Alumni are transforming the world creatively through Art and Design.
Submission Description: Catherine Merrill curated multiple international shows including ceramics by a group of prominent Cuban & American Artists, who, in spite of the US Embargo have continued to collaborate & exhibit together in Cuba & the US. Laconia Gallery, Boston Making Connections: Contemporary Cuban Printmakers Oct-Nov 2009 Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton, MA Beyond the Embargo, Cuban & American Ceramics Jun-Oct 2009 Massachusetts College of Art, MassART in Cuba Sept-Oct 2009 ACAA Gallery- Matanzas CUBA 2008.
Biography: Art of Fire Project 2001-2016 Catherine Merrill, US & Antonio Lewis, Cuba: International Cultural Exchange Project offering Exhibitions, Residencies, Workshops & Lectures in Cuba, US, Canada & Argentina. Mission: Promote Peace & Friendship through the Language of Art. When Artists come together from different nationalities, after they have made art together, shared ideas, food, drink & laughter, they will never support War between their nations, as that would endanger the lives of their friends.
Biography: Art of Fire Project 2001-2016 Catherine Merrill, US & Antonio Lewis, Cuba: International Cultural Exchange Project offering Exhibitions, Residencies, Workshops & Lectures in Cuba, US, Canada & Argentina. Mission: Promote Peace & Friendship through the Language of Art. When Artists come together from different nationalities, after they have made art together, shared ideas, food, drink & laughter, they will never support War between their nations, as that would endanger the lives of their friends.
Click here to see the entire showcase
Because of the pandemic, I can no longer work with live models in my studio or make new figurative sculptures. Therefore, since Shelter in Place in March I have been focusing on making pottery, finding the whole ritual series of steps in the making process to be therapeutic and grounding, and while I am in the studio, taking my mind off all the bad news both concerning Covid-19 & politics. The whole alchemical process is so satisfying: starting with earth, adding water, air & fire and ending up with a beautiful shining object that is also useful. I have been making cups to give to the working people who help us everyday, especially the people who run the neighborhood corner stores.
The San Francisco Women Artists Gallery just reopened and this photo features a nice display of my porcelain pottery: vases & bowls with colorful stripes and blue glazed bowls with fluted rims. I have been an Exhibiting Member of the SFWA Gallery since July 2015.
Dear Friends,
A presence in the San Francisco arts community for over a century, this month SFWA celebrates 5 years since relocating to our new Gallery. We feel immense gratitude to all who have made this possible, and during this unprecedented time we remain firmly committed to the continued viability of our historic organization. Our SFWA Gallery reopened July 10th, 2020: Thursday-Saturday, 11:30-5:30. Safety is a priority and we have implemented a daily sanitation protocol, disinfecting surfaces frequently. Our visitors are required to wear face coverings, use hand sanitizer and maintain social distancing. We’ve installed a shield guard at the desk and employ a touchless payment system. Because it is a retail storefront open to the street, SFWA is allowed to remain open.
Meanwhile, we continue to explore all available funding resources. Also, SFWA is planning another Online Auction Benefit in early November, and our Salesforce Tower Art Gala Benefit has been rescheduled for March 4, 2021.
This year has been incredibly challenging on many fronts. During times like this, we know that the arts can lift the spirits, provide comfort and resilience. For your support of SFWA, its mission and legacy, we thank you and wish you continued wellness.
Pam Borrelli
SFWA Board President
A Thriving Art Culture Enriches Our Lives Each Day
San Francisco Women Artists | 647 Irving Street, San Francisco, CA 94122
SFwomenartists.org
Phone Number: 415-566-8550
A presence in the San Francisco arts community for over a century, this month SFWA celebrates 5 years since relocating to our new Gallery. We feel immense gratitude to all who have made this possible, and during this unprecedented time we remain firmly committed to the continued viability of our historic organization. Our SFWA Gallery reopened July 10th, 2020: Thursday-Saturday, 11:30-5:30. Safety is a priority and we have implemented a daily sanitation protocol, disinfecting surfaces frequently. Our visitors are required to wear face coverings, use hand sanitizer and maintain social distancing. We’ve installed a shield guard at the desk and employ a touchless payment system. Because it is a retail storefront open to the street, SFWA is allowed to remain open.
Meanwhile, we continue to explore all available funding resources. Also, SFWA is planning another Online Auction Benefit in early November, and our Salesforce Tower Art Gala Benefit has been rescheduled for March 4, 2021.
This year has been incredibly challenging on many fronts. During times like this, we know that the arts can lift the spirits, provide comfort and resilience. For your support of SFWA, its mission and legacy, we thank you and wish you continued wellness.
Pam Borrelli
SFWA Board President
A Thriving Art Culture Enriches Our Lives Each Day
San Francisco Women Artists | 647 Irving Street, San Francisco, CA 94122
SFwomenartists.org
Phone Number: 415-566-8550
Glass Display Cabinet, left, features new porcelain pottery, my Nature Series. Photo published in the Sunset Beacon Oct 2020. "Local Galleries Get Creative In Responding to Multiple Obstacles" By Erin Bank