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!

Jamel Shabazz (born 1960), Drama and Flava from Back in the Days, detail, 2000, color-coupler print. Courtesy of the artist

SAVE THE DATE | Members’ Opening Reception | Posing Beauty & Resilience

Thursday, October 10*

5–8 p.m.

Join us for an exclusive members’ opening and be one of the first to explore the Taft’s newest special exhibitions, Posing Beauty in African American Culture and Resilience: New Ceramic Works by Terri Kern. The program will include remarks from President & CEO Rebekah Beaulieu, as well as music and self-guided tours. Light bites and drinks. Free valet parking.

This is a FREE event for Taft members, guests of members, and FotoFocus passport holders.

GET OPENING RECEPTION TICKETS

*Please note: this event was originally scheduled for Thursday, October 4 and has been moved to Thursday, October 10.

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

Terri Kern (American, born 1964), Seamstress, wheel thrown, hand painted with underglaze, finished with clear glaze, 2 1/2 x 3 in. diam. Photo by Michael Svach. This vase is representative of the works that will be on view in Resilience.

Workshop | Ceramics with Terri Kern

Sunday, January 5

1–4 p.m.

Join Terri Kern, the artist whose works are featured in the museum’s exhibition Resilience, for a lively workshop and Q&A in the galleries. During this workshop you will explore Kern’s personal approach to creating visual narratives through ceramics, learn the design technique sgraffito, and make a custom glazed tile.

Both new and experienced artists are welcome. Recommended for ages 18 and up. We encourage you to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start time. Supplies are included. Artwork will be available for pick-up from the museum approximately two weeks following the workshop.

Registration is required. $35 for Taft members, $50 for non-members. Includes admission to the museum's special exhibitions and collection galleries.

GET TICKETS

Questions? Contact education@taftmuseum.org.