Current Exhibitions

Forming Function: Ceramics with a Purpose

June 21-August 17, 2025

From the daily rituals of shared meals to the grandest celebrations, food and functional ceramics weave the fabric of the human experience. These objects become a powerful expression of cultural heritage and personal identity. Each piece tells a story—family traditions passed through generations and innovations born from necessity and creativity.

We find that food does more than fill our plates—it fills our need for belonging, understanding, and shared experience. It brings us together across differences, sparking conversations and fostering community. Juried by Beth Ann Gerstein, Executive Director of the American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA), this exhibition will explore the artistry of functional ceramics and its power to nourish both body and spirit, building bridges of understanding through the universal language of shared meals.

Artists in the exhibition: Chai A’lilharder, Jonathan Borella, Phoebe Deutsch, Weiyu Du, Aubrey Fife, Adley Gin, Maia Guzman, Margaret Haden, Scott Harris, Kelly Harrison, Yoyo Hu, Angela Huang, Sally Graves Jackson, Nikita Jain, Inge Klaps, John Lam, Tomoko Latko, Huan Liang, Hsin-Chuen Lin, Yingling Lin, Jiajun Lu, Brennan Lynch, Ashley Magaña, Felicia Martinez, Susi Merhar, MimaDesigns, Lee Middleman, Alissa Mittl, Michelle Morales, Edward Paas, Jee Park, Margie Sarrao, Jan Schachter, Cynthia Siegel, Esther Rojas Soto, Taylor Spivey, Mark Su, Deb Sullivan, Shirin Towfiq and Bryan Truitt, Yana Verba, Yuki Watanabe, Melisa Wong Yajima, MWY Pottery, Kalina Yang, Roni Zeiger.

This exhibition starts the series Centering: Clay and Community at the Palo Alto Art Center, will engage and convene the community in the art of ceramics through a series of art exhibitions, public programs, school tours, and partnerships.