Vessel: An Exploration in Clay of Form, Ritual and Story

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Transmission Gallery is pleased to present “Vessel: An Exploration in Clay of Form, Ritual and Story,” a curated exhibition featuring ten ceramic artists whose work reimagines the vessel as a carrier of cultural meaning, memory, and personal expression.

Curated by artist and ceramicist Suzanne M. Long, the exhibition brings together works by James Aarons, Susana Arias, Michelle Gregor, Margaret Keelan, Mattie Leeds, Peggy Loudon, Kris Marubayashi, Lisa Reinertson, Claudia Tarantino, and Laura Van Duren. Drawing on her deep roots in the Bay Area ceramics community, Long has assembled a collection that pushes viewers to consider vessels beyond their functional origins, exploring how clay forms can embody ritual, narrative, and abstract expression.

“Suzanne has curated something truly special here,” said Cameron Brian, Gallerist at Transmission Gallery. “I’m delighted to bring these works to West Oakland. It’s exactly the kind of unconventional work with a clear point of view that we love to present.”

The exhibition runs from January 15th through February 28th, 2026, offering Bay Area art enthusiasts an extended opportunity to engage with these diverse ceramic interpretations. The opening reception provides a rare opportunity to meet the participating artists and the curator in person while experiencing the work firsthand. Light refreshments will be served, and all are welcome to drop in any time during the three-hour event.

“We’re excited to create a space where art lovers and art buyers can connect directly with these talented ceramicists,” Brian added. “There’s something powerful about standing in front of a piece of clay that someone has transformed into a storytelling medium. We invite everyone to come experience that for themselves.”

About Transmission Gallery
Established in 2012, Transmission Gallery presents contemporary art, showing primarily figurative art in Oakland, California. As artists and art educators themselves, gallery owners and directors Cameron Brian and Ruth Santee have a passion for art and its various forms of expression, often showing unconventional work with a point of view. The gallery is committed to fostering dialogue between artists and the community while providing a platform for innovative contemporary practices.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.