Material Bodies: Identities in Clay explores the human form as both presence and a container of experience to examine identity, memory, and transformation. Through surface, gesture, and form, the works reveal how material carries personal and collective stories - holding traces of strength, vulnerability, and resilience.
Exhibition Dates: Nov. 13-Dec. 19, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, November 13, 2026, 5-9pm
AWARDS: Best in Show. This winner will be featured in a curated solo exhibition at Oliva Gallery in 2028. Plus a People's Choice Cash Award of $200. Both will be announced Opening Night.
PROGRAMMING:
JURORS: Nancy Pirri and Lauralynn White
Nancy Pirri is an artist from Chicago, working primarily in figurative ceramics. Pirri has won awards from the Beverly Arts Center and the Rockford Art Museum, including work published in ‘500 Figures in Clay’ V2. Pirri has exhibited nationally and internationally and has acquired collectors from all over the world. This is her second year as Juror and Curator for the Midwest Ceramic Exhibition. Pirri is currently represented by Oliva Gallery, J. Petter Galleries (MI), THE STALLS/Primitive Warehouse, Inner Haven Gallery and the shop at 6311arts.
Lauralynn White is an exhibiting artist and curator in Chicago. She earned a BFA in Illustration and Art History from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). White is a Signature Member of the National Association of Women Artists (NAWA), serving on their exhibitions and PR committees. White has served on the board of ArtFusion, Pottstown, PA and as a juror/curator for exhibitions, including: Albright College, YorkArts, Alvernia University, and Reading Film Festival. For nearly a decade, White was Gallery Director at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Reading, PA and was the founding Director/Curator of Contemporary Art Gallery, Chautauqua, NY. White has exhibited nationally and internationally, integrating the human form in landscape and bringing to her work a vision of humanity in the natural world.
Established in 2016, Oliva Gallery is a woman-owned gallery dedicated to showcasing exceptional works from established Midwest artists. For over a decade, Kimberly Oliva curated over 250 national exhibitions featuring fine art and design.
Sponsored by Lillstreet Art Center and Worldview Education & Care
Exhibition Dates: Nov. 13-Dec. 19, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, November 13, 2026, 5-9pm
AWARDS: Best in Show. This winner will be featured in a curated solo exhibition at Oliva Gallery in 2028. Plus a People's Choice Cash Award of $200. Both will be announced Opening Night.
PROGRAMMING:
- Material Bodies: Conversations, Clay and the Midwest Landscape
Moderator: Catherine Schwalbe - Saturday, Nov. 21st - 3-5pm - Small Wonders: Oliva Gallery’s Year-End Gift Show: Saturday, Dec. 12 - 5-9pm Eventbrite link here.
- Closing Reception: Saturday, Dec. 19 - 5-8pm
JURORS: Nancy Pirri and Lauralynn White
Nancy Pirri is an artist from Chicago, working primarily in figurative ceramics. Pirri has won awards from the Beverly Arts Center and the Rockford Art Museum, including work published in ‘500 Figures in Clay’ V2. Pirri has exhibited nationally and internationally and has acquired collectors from all over the world. This is her second year as Juror and Curator for the Midwest Ceramic Exhibition. Pirri is currently represented by Oliva Gallery, J. Petter Galleries (MI), THE STALLS/Primitive Warehouse, Inner Haven Gallery and the shop at 6311arts.
Lauralynn White is an exhibiting artist and curator in Chicago. She earned a BFA in Illustration and Art History from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). White is a Signature Member of the National Association of Women Artists (NAWA), serving on their exhibitions and PR committees. White has served on the board of ArtFusion, Pottstown, PA and as a juror/curator for exhibitions, including: Albright College, YorkArts, Alvernia University, and Reading Film Festival. For nearly a decade, White was Gallery Director at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Reading, PA and was the founding Director/Curator of Contemporary Art Gallery, Chautauqua, NY. White has exhibited nationally and internationally, integrating the human form in landscape and bringing to her work a vision of humanity in the natural world.
Established in 2016, Oliva Gallery is a woman-owned gallery dedicated to showcasing exceptional works from established Midwest artists. For over a decade, Kimberly Oliva curated over 250 national exhibitions featuring fine art and design.
Sponsored by Lillstreet Art Center and Worldview Education & Care
EXHIBITING ARTISTS:
Lynn Basa
Aaron Becker
Robin Carlson
Hillary Catrow
Gabriel Chalfin-Piney-Gonzalez
Jamie Freedman
Mirentxu Ganzarain
Jennifer Holt
Matthew King
Darby Lewis
Dawn Liddicoatt
Suzanne Long
Linda Marcus
Patrick Miceli
Andryea Natkin
Jonathan Pacheco
Henry Tyson
Susan Volk
Christopher Williams
Lynn Basa
Aaron Becker
Robin Carlson
Hillary Catrow
Gabriel Chalfin-Piney-Gonzalez
Jamie Freedman
Mirentxu Ganzarain
Jennifer Holt
Matthew King
Darby Lewis
Dawn Liddicoatt
Suzanne Long
Linda Marcus
Patrick Miceli
Andryea Natkin
Jonathan Pacheco
Henry Tyson
Susan Volk
Christopher Williams
