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[May 2003]
Unique Ceramic Exhibition Opened
May 11 saw the opening of the 'Osseklei' exhibition, which consists of work
by 70 members of the Nederlandse Vakgroep Keramisten/Dutch Ceramists
Association, based in Almelo in Holland.The exhibition - which is open until 6 July 2003 - takes place during the
Landesgartenschau (LAGA), a major tourist event. The LAGA is traditionally
set in a different German location every year; this year is the turn of
Gronau-Losser. Due to its position on the Dutch border, the council of
Losser (NL) stepped in to co-organise the LAGA as a 'border crossing' event.One of the event's locations in Losser is the historical Steenfabriek De
Werklust (Werklust Brickworks) which was closed down just three years ago.
It had produced specialised bricks fired with wood or coal in a 19th century
Hoffman type circular kiln. The factory was purchased by the council after
closure and the kiln has now been restored to be admired in its full glory
during the LAGA. The former proprietor, the Osse family, also owned the
adjoining claypit and it was here that the so-called Osseklei was won.70 of the NVK members, armed with spades and wheelbarrows, each dug their
own lot of clay. They took it to their studios with the purpose of
researching the possibilities of the clay, sometimes combining it with their
own favourite clay to bring out contrasts.All types of ceramics are represented in the exhibition, including thrown
pieces, sculptural objects, functional ceramics etc. This unique exhibition
has been set out on the floor of the Hoffman kiln, under the characteristic
rafters.It is understood that after the LAGA, the pieces will be on show in Losser's
Town Hall until 19 October 2003.For more information, e-mail Erna Futselaar at: activiteiten@nvk-keramiek.nl
ENDS