by Steven Felschundneff | steven@claremont-courier.com

Fans of art inspired by native California flora and fauna may be interested in a new exhibit of ceramic sculptures that will open next week at the California Botanic Garden in Claremont.

The show, called Clayfornia: Ceramic Sculpture in the California Sunshine, features  artists in partnership with the American Museum of Ceramic Art. Fourteen artists from the AMOCA Ceramics Studio in Pomona will have their work on display throughout the garden beginning Sunday, November 8.

“Clay and California go together. Clay has been part of California’s history through every sun-dappled chapter and continues to find beautiful expressions in the hands of contemporary artists who call the Golden State home,” Visitor Experience Coordinator

Danielle Wildasinn said in a news release Thursday.

Participating artists include Claremont residents Janell Lewis, Maureen Wheeler and Mary Beierle, as well as Cj Jilek, Beverly Helfer-Grand, David Kiddie, Heidi Kreitchet, Gary Lett, Kim Lingo, Brandon Lomax, Mark Muscarello, David Pacheco, Scott Ross and Jonas Wendelin.

“We have invited these artists to explore and express California’s identity in the quintessential California medium of clay, set amidst native plants of California,” Ms. Wildasinn said.

The exhibit runs from November 8 through April 18, 2021 and is free with a paid daily admission to the garden. Garden hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, however, tickets must be purchased online prior to visiting. California Botanic Garden members get in free.