THE ALCHEMISTS OF CLAY
a selection from the collection of the International Ceramics Studio

At Szombathelyi Képtár, 12 Rákóczi Ferenc St. 

The International Ceramics Studio, which has been in operation for nearly five decades, is one of the most important international centers for contemporary ceramic art. It was founded with the mission to create an inspiring and professional meeting place for artists from all over the world. Often referred to in professional circles as "the Monastery of Clay," the institution has been a catalyst for formal, aesthetic, and technological renewal, as well as a promoter of cultural diversity and dialogue between different cultures, since its inception.

From its founding, the Studio has consistently collected—and continues to collect—the works of high artistic standard created within its walls. This has resulted in a collection that is now known as one of the most significant international collections of contemporary ceramic art, featuring nearly 4,000 works by 500 artists from more than 50 countries.

The title The Alchemists of Clay alludes to the metamorphosis that arises from the meeting of material and fire, as well as to an experimental and innovative attitude. The selection showcases three fundamental directions: functional pieces, compositions of sculptural power, and transitional works. A special feature of the exhibition is the inclusion of works not only by ceramicists but also by goldsmiths and painters, along with large-scale works that rarely leave the confines of the Studio.

After twenty-five years, Szombathely once again provides the space for the Studio to present itself, this time emphasizing the diversity and international significance of its collection.

Welcoming remarks by:
Andrea Csapláros, director of the Savaria Museum
Dóra Barta, managing director of the Kecskemét Contemporary Art Studios Nonprofit Ltd.
Dr. Klaudia Szemereyné Pataki, mayor of Kecskemét
Dr. András Nemény, mayor of Szombathely
Erika Sütő, director of the International Ceramics Studio

The exhibition will be opened by:
Monika Gass, ceramic artist, art writer, and vice-president of the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC)

Exhibition opens: Friday, 3 October, 2025, at 17.00
Open until: 25 January, 2026.

EXHIBITIONS AT KÁPOLNA GALLERY

KAPU - GATE
Pócs Judit, felt artist 

Judit Tóth-Pócs is a felt artist and art teacher. She lives and works with her family in Kecskemét and has been working with felt since 1992. She is interested in many areas of textile production, from jewelry design to clothing, spatial sculptures, and wall and floor textiles. Her work is characterized by experimentation, with a focus on the spatial extraction of felt, to which she attributes her international success. She uses traditional felt-making techniques, creating her pieces by hand without the aid of machines. What makes her work interesting is that the individual spatial elements are connected to each other without any stitching. Her recent works are characterized by contrast effects and the play of light and shadow. She regularly teaches at international and hungarian symposiums, forums, and at own workshops.

Exhibition opening: Thursday, 9th of October 2025 at 17.00
Opening by: Gábor Ulrich and Gyula Majoros, artists 
Exhibition opening times: Tuesday to Saturday, from 14.00 to 18.00 until 31st October 2025

MASTERCOURSES
Places still available . . .

HIKIDASHI TEA WARE with Douglas Black
7 - 11 October, 2025

Come and learn how to make thrown and handbuilt teabowls and fire them high temperature, using this exciting technique. 

PATTERNS IN PORCELAIN with Guy van Leemput
4 - 8 November, 2025

Patterns in Porcelain is an introduction to making wafer-thin bowls with flax reinforced porcelain as well as discovering how to make a shrinking support on which the wafer-thin bowl can be hung in the kiln.

MASTERCOURSES for 2026

Residential Mastercourses in a range of ceramic techniques and processes for beginners, experienced and professional ceramists. The opportunity to learn in a mutually supportive environment with experienced teachers.

Information about our residential courses 
http://www.icshu.org/courses.html

There are still more to be added so keep coming back to the website to see the tatest news.
Courses so far include . . .

ARTISTS IN FOCUS

SADSHA WARDELL

Sasha Wardell has been working in bone china since 1982. Her formal training in ceramics included both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and industrial training secondments to L’Ecole Nationale des Arts Decoratifs, Limoges, France, and the Royal Doulton design studio, Stoke on Trent, UK.

Sasha has taken elements of the ceramics industry and adapted them to a studio environment with her own production which includes bespoke vases, bowls, lighting and tea ware. She has concentrated on perfecting the craft-based skills which enhance the inherent qualities of bone china and her carefully produced distinctive work embraces and reflects contemporary taste and lifestyle. Each piece is individually made using industrial processes that Sasha has personally developed.

An industrial approach to the traditional bone china manufacturing process has strongly influenced the way in which Sasha presently works, reflecting her fascination for methods and materials which present a challenge. It is for this reason that bone china, with all its idiosyncrasies, has remained her favourite material.

By adding a carefully selected colour palette to the striking white bone china, coupled with unique decorating techniques evolved through painstaking trial and error, Wardell has developed ranges of distinctive signature work that is sought after by personal collectors, museums and galleries worldwide.

Mastercourse
COLOURED AND CAST BONE CHINA 
with Sasha Wardell
13 - 18 May, 2026

Come and learn all about bone china from preparation of the bone china slip (from ready-made slip) to include the colouring using ceramic body stains.

You will start by getting to know the material and learning how to make very thin pieces. Guy will demonstrate many techniques for applying patterns with the opportunity to practice yourself. Each participant will start a bowl with one or more of the demonstrated techniques. You will also make the shrinking supports that will carry the piece in the kiln.

The ICS Artist-in-residence program allows artists to work in the context of a different country and culture.
The Artist in Residence Programme provides artists with the space to create new works, experiment with innovative ideas and research new and different ways of making. Artists are encouraged to explore all our facilities to open up new possibilities and directions for the contemporary ceramicist. The program is open to all artists who wish to work independently on their own projects. Artists may use the residency to accomplish a specific project or to work in a creative and supportive atmosphere alongside other international ceramic artists.

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Kecskeméti Kortárs Művészeti Műhelyek
INTERNATIONAL CERAMICS STUDIO
Kápolna u.11., Kecskemét 6000, Hungary

www.icshu.org
icshu@me.com

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