Ceramic vessel and collage by Larry Peters on exhibition at McPherson College’s Friendship Gallery.
The artwork of Topeka artists Barbara Waterman-Peters and Larry Peters is showing in an exhibition at the Friendship Hall gallery of McPherson College now through the end of March.
“Barbara and Larry are a power couple in the fine arts of Kansas,” said Michaela Valli Groeblacher, associate professor of art and gallery director at the college. “They have dedicated their lives to creating art and supporting other artists all over the state. Their work is of the highest quality, and it is an honor to have them exhibit at McPherson College.”
The exhibit, titled “A Warning,” features the artists’ paintings, collages, and ceramics. Additionally, Groeblacher pairs her ceramic clowns alongside Waterman-Peters’ clown paintings.
Waterman-Peters, a naturalistic/surrealistic painter, uses images as symbols to tell her story or to express her opinion. She deals with global political and cultural issues through a feminist lens.
Peters is both a ceramicist and a painter. His “paintings” are non-representational collages. Even though highly abstract, the collages exude the spirit of his thoughts about the Holocaust and more current situations in Ukraine and nationally. A few of the collages reference Native American imagery he encountered when hiking in Utah and New Mexico, and his ceramic vessels support that connection.
Groeblacher’s clown series was triggered by an invitation to a self-portrait group exhibition, resulting in Clown #1. Historically, clowns have reflected complex societal and psychological dimensions, which are explored in Groeblacher’s work.
“I’ve been wishing for the opportunity to exhibit my ceramic clowns alongside Barbara’s clown paintings,” Groeblacher said. “I am thrilled that she and her husband accepted my invitation to show at McPherson College, where my ceramic clowns currently admire the paintings surrounding them.”
The Friendship Hall gallery is open to the public during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. A closing reception and artists’ talk are planned for March.