Fall/Winter 2024
Thank you to those who attended the opening of our Fall/Winter 2024 art exhibition, “Evolution in Clay: A Vina Schemer Retrospective.” Event photos courtesy of Olis Garber Photography.
About Evolution in Clay: The groves and rural character of Mandarin drew Vina Schemer to the area in 1965. Amidst this backdrop, she made her mark as an innovative studio potter and photo-ceramist, influencing and drawing influence from her friends Charlie M. Brown, Memphis Wood, and fellow members of the Crown Craftsmen.
Evolution in Clay follows Vina’s journey from early stamped pottery designs to raku to the perfecting of photo-transfer ceramics. Her body of work reflects the Studio Craft Movement in the United States in the decades following World War II. The Movement’s hallmarks – creativity, artist self-expression, uniqueness, and hand-made techniques – were a response to post-war mass production.
A celebrated artist, Vina’s work can be found in the permanent collections of the University of North Florida, The White House, The Contemporary Ceramics Museum in Grottaglia, Italy, and more.
From 1979 to 2009, she served as director of the American Crafts Council Southeast Region. Vina is also the co-founder of the annual Mandarin Art Festival which will enter its 57th year.
Evolution in Clay: A Vina Schemer Retrospective will be on display through April 19, 2025.