Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The ceramic art of by Piero Fenci, professor of art at Stephen F. Austin State University, has been selected for two separate fall exhibitions--one in Baltimore, Md., and one in Tyler.

Fenci is one of 15 U.S. artists whose work is included in "Between Form and Function" at the Baltimore Clayworks gallery Aug. 31 through Oct. 1.

According to the Baltimore Clayworks' Web site, "the exhibition explores how artists see the world of functional objects, how they take and manipulate the forms and turn the function of the objects into a purely visual experience."

Fenci said the exhibition is "perfect" for his work, which reflects his deep attachment to many types of functional objects, including Etruscan pottery, pre-Columbian architecture, Japanese armor of the Muromachi period, Shaker hatboxes and tinware, and traditional origami.

"I take these archetypes, filter them through my psyche, and intuitively connect them. My work, therefore, constitutes loosely rendered reinventions of the past; they are my attempt to build a family tree of spiritual ancestors, a heritage of my own passions," Fenci explained.

"Between Form and Function" was curated by Virginia Scotchie, head of ceramics at the University of South Carolina.

"Virginia is a highly respected ceramicist," said Fenci. 'I am honored that she chose my work for this national exhibition."

Fenci's work will also be included in an upcoming exhibition at the Tyler Museum of Art. "Spirited Fusion: Akamatsu and Fenci" will open in the Bell Gallery Friday, Sept. 22, and run through Sunday, Oct. 22.

The two-person show also includes works by Fenci's wife, Liz Akamatsu, who works primarily in bronze, steel and wood.

"We named this exhibition 'Spirited Fusion' in reference to the nature of the husband-wife team that Liz and Piero have nurtured over the years," said Ken Tomio, Tyler Museum of Art curator. "Piero has recently made brilliant breakthroughs in vessel-based ceramic sculptures. Liz's sculptures evoke almost infinite strands of stories that are pertinent to her art and to the culture of our time. The Museum is pleased to present such original work from nationally-recognized artists who live in East Texas."

The artists will give a gallery talk during the Artists Reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, and there will be an art educator-led First Friday Art Tour of the exhibition on Friday, Oct. 6, at 11:30 a.m. Details and reservations for either of these events are available by calling (903) 595-1001.

The Tyler Museum of Art is located at 1300 S. Mahon. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.

Fenci has been a member of the SFA art faculty since 1975 and received the Stephen F. Austin State University Foundation Faculty Achievement Award for innovation and excellence in teaching, research and service and the Teaching Excellence Award.

During the summers of 2002 and 2003, he served as visiting artist at the Nantucket Island School of Design and the Art, and during spring 2004, as visiting artist at the Escuela de Bellas Artes, Universidad Autonoma de Chihauhau, Chihauhau, Mexico.

His works have been included in exhibitions across Texas, in Richmond, Va.; Santa Fe, N.M.; Nantucket, Maine; Indianapolis, Ind.; Kansas City, Mo.; and Washington, D.C., and in private collections in Alfred, N.Y.; Washington, D.C.; Lancaster, Pa..; New York City; and San Francisco.

Fenci received his Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies from Yale University and his Master of Fine Arts from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University.