Limerick City Gallery of Art/LCGA　is proud to present　CLAY LINES: 50 Years of Ceramics at Limerick School of Art and Design. This extraordinary exhibition marks the first-ever public display of a historic collection of final year student works from the renowned ceramics programme at LSAD. Spanning five decades, the exhibition offers an invaluable record of the ceramic programme’s creative legacy and an inspiration for future generations of ceramicists.

Featuring over 300 pieces created by final year students of the Ceramics programme since its inception,　CLAY LINES showcases the diversity of vision and technique that defines the LSAD/TUS Ceramics programme. From intricate, functional pottery to bold, experimental sculptures, and covering a wide range of conceptual concerns, these works speak of the evolution of ceramic practice within the country and the college. Many of these LSAD graduates became celebrated ceramicists, educators, and artists. The collection not only honours the talent fostered within Ceramics at LSAD, but also preserves a legacy of innovation, technique, and creative exploration.

This is a landmark moment, says Siobhan O’Reilly, curator of　CLAY LINES. Many of these pieces have never been seen by the public, and bringing them together in this exhibition allows us to celebrate both the history of the ceramics programme and the students whose creativity has helped shape it. As a curated archive,　CLAY LINES will serve as an invaluable resource to study, learn from, and draw inspiration."

As part of the exhibition,　CLAY LINES　will also serve as an interactive cataloguing initiative. Over the years, some works in the collection have become separated from their original artist records. Research is ongoing and an invitation is extended to alumni, faculty, and the public to help identify the creators of these pieces.

Highlights of the exhibition include:

• Functional and Sculptural Ceramics: A broad array of forms, techniques and conceptual concerns that capture the programmes commitment to innovation and skill over the past 50 years.
  
  
• Alumni Recognition Wall: A dedicated display honouring graduates who have made significant contributions to the field, underscoring the programme’s impact on ceramic arts beyond college.
  
  
• Interactive Identification Project: An open call to help identify anonymous works, inviting alumni and visitors to contribute to the historical record.

This exhibition is a special opportunity for alumni, current students, and the public to explore this one-of-a-kind archive.

The exhibition runs to 12th January 2024

For further information please contact artgallery@limerick.ie and or siobhan.oreilly@tus.ie