For millennia, ceramic artists across cultures have looked to the natural world as a source of inspiration—drawing from the beauty, symbolism, and life-giving qualities of plants. From ancient storage jars adorned with leaf motifs to contemporary vessels echoing organic growth and structure, botanicals have remained a vital wellspring of creativity in clay. 

For this exhibition, The Botanical Vessel, Brenda Quinn invites submissions of ceramic artwork that reflect the beauty, complexity, and vitality of plant life. She states, “While the emphasis is on functional vessels, both functional and decorative works will be considered. I am especially interested in pieces that thoughtfully explore plant-inspired form, surface, texture, or concept in innovative ways. This might include work that celebrates the rhythms of nature, evokes botanical imagery, or reimagines how clay can embody the essence of growth, bloom, and regeneration. Whether your practice leans toward tradition or experimentation, I welcome interpretations that highlight the enduring dialogue between clay and the natural world.”