For the City Times

PORT EDWARDS – The Alexander House Center for Art and History will offer a new exhibit – “Clay Vessels and Textile Art” – opening with a reception on Jan. 17, 5-8 p.m.

This exhibition will feature Textiles by Dian Ritter, Merrill, and Ceramics by Peter Ritter, Merrill. The exhibit will continue through Feb. 25.

Peter and Dian (Horn) Ritter are both recently retired art educators, with over 40 years of experience –30 of those years being in international schools.

The inspiration for Peter’s design work is a combination of geometric and organic elements representing architectural and natural forms, which are enhanced with textural and chromatic surfaces. Peter builds the clay vessels with more concern for the sculptural qualities rather than the functional.

Dian said that she has always had an affinity for stitching and fabrics due to the tactile appeal. She chooses materials by how they feel as well as the hues and unlimited variations. Design ideas are sometimes worked up on paper with details, while others develop during the art-making process, often dictated by the materials themselves. Some of Dian’s works are personal responses to social or political events, while others are light-hearted. Many of the works contain recycled materials such as old clothing, dryer lint and sticks.

The Alexander House, a Center for Art and History, is located at 1131 Wisconsin River Drive, Port Edwards. For more information, call 715-887-3442, find them on Facebook, or visit alexanderhouseonline.org.