Resilience: New Ceramic Works by Terri Kern

October 12, 2024–February 16, 2025 | Sinton Gallery and Taft Historic House

What does nature teach us about the ability to embrace, resist, or recover from life’s challenges? Local ceramic artist Terri Kern explores the theme of resilience in her latest creations. Inspired by the natural world, her symbolic works of art tell stories of love, loss, triumph, and hardship: tiny portraits dangle from the mouths of dragons; birds cautiously perch upon spools of thread; cages enclose empty swings. For the pieces in this exhibition, Kern also sought inspiration from a variety of objects in the Taft Museum of Art’s collection, including Chinese porcelains, Italian maiolica, and European portrait miniatures.

Using wheel throwing and hand building techniques, Kern decorates her intimate narrative works, made from white earthenware, with layers of colors, creating vibrant glazed surfaces. Her award-winning ceramics have been featured in numerous publications and are held in public and private collections throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Kern’s works have also been exhibited internationally, including shows in China, Japan, and Germany.

DAILY ADMISSION FREE SUNDAYS & MONDAYS

Admission is free for Taft members, guests of members with guest pass, military, and youth (17 and under); $15 for adults; $12 for seniors. Save on tickets when you buy online. Includes admission to special exhibitions and the museum’s collection galleries. Sundays and Mondays are FREE!

Experience the Exhibition

Enjoy special tours, behind-the-scenes insights, and more during this unique exhibition!

Terri Kern (American, born 1964), A Stitch in Time, detail, wheel thrown, hand painted with underglaze, finished with clear glaze, 8 x 3 in. diam. Photo by Michael Svach

Artist Talk | An Evening with Terri Kern

Thursday, December 5

Fifth Third Gallery, Sinton Gallery, and Taft Historic House open until 5:30 p.m.

Talk is in Luther Hall 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Join us for an evening dialogue with Cincinnati-based ceramic artist Terri Kern. The museum’s exhibition Resilience features Kern’s work, and she will talk about her unique approach to sculpture and how she uses art as a tool for storytelling and education.  

Registration is required. Free for Taft members; $15 for non-members. Event admission includes the opportunity for attendees to view the exhibition before the talk.

GET ARTIST TALK TICKETS

Questions? Contact education@taftmuseum.org.

Supported by the Stanley and Frances D. Cohen Lecture Series