WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., February 17, 2025 – “Cultural Value Systems,” a solo exhibition by ceramics artist Justin Coleman (JSTN CLMN), opens Thursday, February 20 at West Liberty University’s (WLU) Nutting Gallery.
A free public reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. A Q&A with the artist takes place at 5:45 p.m. The exhibition is in partnership with Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Center’s annual Ceramics Take Over Wheeling. The exhibition runs from February 20 through March 13.
JSTN CLMN is Assistant Professor of Studio Art at Denison University, and a practicing artist working in sculpture and ceramics. CLMN is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design (BFA ’05) and the University of Delaware (MFA ’17). Coleman’s practice has evolved from studio craft to a more conceptual exploration of cultural relationships with objects and the redefinition of craft. His work includes experience as an arts educator, professional studio assistant, and a practicing artist. His work has been shown in galleries and exhibitions, including the Occupy Museums “Debtfair” show at the 2017 Whitney Biennial. He most recently created an installation for the 2018 Brickscape Residency and is the recipient of a 2018 individual artist grant from The Pittsburgh Foundation. His work can be found online at jstnclmn.com.
“JSTN’s work challenges our perceptions of ceramics’ functionality, urging us to consider more than just the craft aspect of the medium,” said Nutting Gallery director Brian Fencl. “I’m eager to discuss with Jstn whether his work should be seen as art or artifact and how his perspective as a Black artist influences his creative practice,” he adds.
Ceramics Take Over Wheeling is an immersive 4-day ceramics-focused event that takes place at a variety of art venues and brings art enthusiasts from around the country to Wheeling. This event, created by former WLU ceramics adjunct Lambros Tsuhlares and organized by Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Arts Center, includes:
- Ceramic exhibitions at West Liberty University, Bethany College, Stifel Fine Arts Center, The Gallery at 2265, Artworks Around Town, Clientele Art Studio, and the Wheeling Artisan Center.
- Workshops, competitions, and presentations.
More details are available at ceramicstakeoverwheeling.com
The Nutting Gallery aims to educate, enrich, and engage through high-quality art exhibitions. Fulfilling this mission the gallery hosts exhibitions by visiting artists, senior students, and faculty annually.
Located in WLU’s Hall of Fine Arts, the regular hours of the Nutting Gallery are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday. The gallery will be open on Friday, February 21 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Gallery events are open to the public and free to attend.
For more information, please contact Brian Fencl at bfencl@westliberty.edu.
