ETSU Department of Art & Design and Slocumb Galleries present 'Wedged: Formed Earth' curated by Matthew Wheeler from March 4 to April 2, 2026, at the Tipton-Ashe Gallery. The exhibition explores the transformative vastness of clay, through which new objects emerge. The opening reception and gallery talks is on March 6, First Friday, with guest of honor, ETSU Provost Dr. Kimberly McCorkle, from 6-8 p.m.; a concurrent solo exhibit entitled 'Trillium' by Matthew Wheeler is presented at the Vault Gallery.

The Wedged: Formed Earth exhibition centers on innovative ceramic art practices by regional artists through the lens of wedging, a foundational yet often unseen process in ceramics that transforms raw clay from earth into a material ready for form and meaning. This preparatory act bridges clay’s natural origins with its creative potential, serving as the starting point for artistic exploration. The exhibition examines how ceramic artists engage with this shared material through a wide range of processes, revealing the adaptability and expressive capacity of clay.

The works presented highlight the vast possibilities of ceramics, from utilitarian objects to expressive and experimental forms. Using techniques such as wheel throwing, hand-building, molding, and varied firing methods, the artists demonstrate how individual approaches shape both form and concept. Together, these works situate contemporary ceramic practice within a long continuum—honoring tradition while expanding the future of clay as a boundless creative medium.

We invite all to view Wedged: Formed Earth, as it resonates inspiration, awe, beauty and intrigue from and to those who have eye, heart or curiosity for the material of clay and its multiplicity of forms and possibilities. Featured artists include Sally Brogden, Blair Clemo, Andréa Keys Connell, Will Dickert, Lalana Fedorschak, Brian Harper, Jeanine Marchand, Lindsay Oesritter, Lindsay Rogers and Lydia Thompson.
All events at Tipton-Ashe Gallery are open to the public free of charge with gallery hours on Wednesday & Saturday from 11:00-3:00 p.m. and Thursday & Friday from 5-7 p.m, with extended hours during receptions and by appointment. Located at 401 Ashe St., former Courthouse in Downtown Johnson City, Tipton-Ashe Gallery and its exhibitions are supported by the Tennessee arts Commission, ETSU MBMSOTA &  SAAC and Bravissima! Women Sponsoring the Arts. For more info or to schedule a visit, please email contrera@etsu.edu