Ceramic artist’s ‘vessels of memory’

Sonoma Community Center presents “Ephemeralities,” an exhibition of works in clay by resident artist Xia Zhang from December 4-23rd, with showcase pieces created during her six-month span as the Center’s ceramics artist-in-residence.

The show opens with a public reception in Gallery 212 on Friday, December 4, 5 to 7 p.m., and runs through December 23.

Zhang is a multi-disciplinary artist who hails from Maryland. She holds an MFA in ceramics from West Virginia University. Her work combines ceramics with work in other mediums, including video projection, that explore various topics of cultural, social and personal significance.

“The forms I have created for this installation are about thoughts built upon shifting thoughts,” she said.

“In our day-to-day lives, we undergo various interactions with others that weigh heavily on our minds — things we should’ve responded to, quips that weren’t quick enough, and statements better left unsaid,” she explained. “My forms are vessels that hold my intangible memories of my interactions.”

The Center’s artist-in-residence program provides opportunities for self-directed, emerging or established artists to develop a cohesive body of work that reflects their time at the Center. The program culminates in a gallery exhibition at the completion of each residency.

“We are all looking forward to Xia’s exhibition,” said Liz Treacy, arts education and program manager. “She has dedicated her residency to creating a beautiful and thought-provoking installation.”