This is the second in a series focusing on natural materials from the earth that have been transformed by artists from antiquity to the present day. The exhibition features works in clay from the ancient Mediterranean, ancient Mesoamerica, imperial China, and from contemporary artists’ studios. 

Clay is an amazingly versatile material: it can be built up from coils or thrown on a wheel, molded, carved, incised, painted, slipped, or glazed. In this exhibition viewers will explore clay objects that were used for drinking and dining; transporting and storing commodities; worshipping gods and offering gifts to the dead; personal adornment and self-care; and architectural and interior design. Vessels from tiny to huge, potted in clay fabrics from humble earthenware to fine porcelain, are on view alongside jewelry, figurines, and sculptures of great complexity. All objects are from the museum’s permanent collection. 

The museum thanks Mizzou School of Visual Studies instructor Eric Ordway and the students in his ceramics courses who shared personal responses to some of the works on display. 

Financial assistance for this exhibition has been provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency. 

From Earth to Artist: Clay is on view January 30 through November 1, 2026.  

Featured image: Vessel in the Form of a Dog, Mesoamerican, Late Formative period, ca. 300 BCE–200 CE, from Colima (Mexico), slip-painted earthenware, gift of William A. Scott (2009.205)