Animism Manufactured: Sacred Narratives in Clay

Solo Artist Opening Reception

On Friday, December 1st, 2023, from 4:00-7:00 pm the City Museum will host an opening reception for a new exhibition titled Animism Manufactured: Sacred Narratives in Clay by local ceramicist Bonilyn Parker. This exhibition will be on display at the City Museum from Friday, December 1^st, 2023, through Saturday, January 27^th, 2024. Exhibition pieces will be for sale and may be picked up after the end of the show beginning Monday, January 29^th, 2024.  Additional ceramic pieces created by the artist will be available for immediate purchase through the museum store.

Bonilyn Parker is an artist born and raised in Alaska who uses the medium of clay to explore the importance of hand-made objects in an “increasingly disposable world.” Influenced by contemporary issues associated with waste, commercial manufacturing, and practices such as repurposing, recycling, and the DIY movement, Parker utilizes disposable items to construct her pottery pieces.

“My current body of work is made from layers of torn and cut sections of porcelain slabs impressed with textures from disposable items such as newspaper, bubble wrap and cardboard, resembling ghosts of the items we leave behind.  I assemble the pieces in a way that is reminiscent of scraps of fabric that might be found in a patchwork quilt.  Careful placement of slip cast and press molded sections of single use items such as plastic bottles, styrofoam containers, and aluminum cans collaged with care for treatment of the seams suggest ideas of repurposing, mending, and resourceful use of a byproduct,” states Parker.

Parker’s new exhibition represents a continuation of a body of work she began while researching her Master of Fine Arts thesis in graduate school. She hopes her new work will convey a sense of hope and progress. “Through my playfully constructed pottery forms I seek to express the hopeful and progressive energy that I see in the changing world around me; the magic feeling that comes from creative repair.”

Coffee & Collections Presentation with Bonilyn Parker

On Saturday, December 9^th,2023 from 10:30am-noon, ceramicist Bonilyn Parker will discuss the last ten years of her career in ceramics leading up to the body of work presented in her exhibition, Animism Manufactured: Sacred Narratives in Clay. This free presentation will take place at the City Museum in the main gallery. Coffee and tea provided.

The Juneau-Douglas City Museum is located at 4th & Main Streets. Current Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm; Closed Sunday and Monday. Free December admission is sponsored by Michelle Storer. General information about the City Museum can be found on the museum’s website juneau.org/museum.