A ceramics artist and instructor will speak about his simple, elegant creations in a public lecture at the College of the Mainland Art Gallery Sept. 28 from 6-7 p.m.

Clay Leonard creates dinnerware that invites families to return to the table.

“Some of my favorite childhood memories were formed around the dinner table with family and friends, eating and engaging in conversation. Through my ceramic vessels, I investigate the important ritual of sharing a meal,” said Leonard. “This work is my contribution to reintroducing the lost art of communication around the dinner table.”

His work has been featured in various international and national exhibitions, including in the National Council on Education for the Ceramics Arts-sponsored exhibition "Tidal Forces; The Next Wave" in 2011. In 2013 he earned an honorable mention at the Art League Gallery for “Tabletop.” Images of his works are online at reclaimingthetable.com. 

Leonard is an art instructor at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. He previously taught ceramics at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

COM invites artists and lecturers once a semester to share their expertise and experiences with students and the public.

Committed to making contemporary artwork accessible, the gallery is free and open to the public. Exhibits are created and coordinated with speakers and other events to promote the area's richly diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Professional artists shown at the gallery have been accredited and recognized by the art community. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, has included the College of the Mainland Art Gallery in their list of recommended venues for the presentation of fine art.

The gallery is located in the Fine Arts Building and open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by appointment.

For more information, please contact 409-933-8354 or www.com.edu/gallery.