‘Shaping Minds: Philadelphia’s Clay Mentors’ on the Intersection of Art and Therapy — a Symposium and Expert Lectures

Pearlstein Gallery and The Clay Studio join together to curate an exhibition celebrating the work of ceramic educators in the Greater Philadelphia Area.

Drexel University’s Leonard Pearlstein Gallery will join forces with The Clay Studio, a nonprofit educational institution, gallery and studio dedicated to teaching, creating, supporting and promoting the ceramic arts — to curate an exhibition celebrating the work of ceramic educators in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Teaching artists will display various works that exemplify the wide range of ceramic artwork within the region. The exhibition will be open Tuesday-Saturday, from noon-5 p.m. and run from June 28-Aug. 13.

As part of the exhibition, Drexel will also host Shaping Education and Therapy Through Clay a one-day symposium, open to the public, that will take place in the URBN Annex lobby and screening room in the Leonard Pearlstein Gallery on June 30. The symposium will focus on the rehabilitating effects of art and clay and will open from noon-5 p.m. Guest speakers will explore the intersection of art and therapy in dynamic 30 minute lectures.

Kelly Lee, Philadelphia’s chief cultural officer will introduce guest speakers:

• Mia DeCrescenzo, the outreach coordinator at The Clay Studio
• Elizabeth Kimport Shaw, the program coordinator for Oaks Integrated Care
• Janice Merendino, artist, teacher and co-founder of The Clay Studio
• Bridget Farnack, ceramics and 3-D art instructor at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy

There will be short breaks between guest speakers for networking opportunities and an optional $15 lunch. A brief panel to unify the conversation will include, Yasmin Awais, interim director of the Art Therapy and Counseling program, Roberto Lugo of Mural Arts and Susan Shiffrin of Artz Philadelphia. 

The symposium will conclude with the opening reception for the Shaping Minds: Philadelphia’s Clay Mentors exhibit, from 5-7 p.m. The reception is also open to the public. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists, the symposium panelists and enjoy complimentary light refreshments.

To learn more about Shaping Minds: Philadelphia’s Clay Mentors exhibit and to register for the symposium visit The Clay Studio online.