This exhibition is a survey of James Tanner’s work from 1976 to the present and includes ceramic sculpture, bronze wall reliefs and mixed media sculpture.

“My work is about the meditative nature of how things fit together. The connections that inform awareness determine outcomes in behavior. Images in this exhibition tell stories about what it means to be human, animal or thing.”

James Tanner received his MFA Degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Wisconsin. He studied glass with Harvey Littleton, ceramics with Don Reitz and painting with Hal Lotterman. He was Professor of Art and taught ceramics at Minnesota State University, Mankato (1968-2003). He is currently Professor Emeritus at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Tanner has exhibited throughout the country, participated in many traveling national and international exhibitions, and has received numerous awards and honors. He was a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship (1984,1990); McKnight Foundation Fellowship (1991); and Minnesota State Arts Board Fellowship (1993). Tanner was also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, Minnesota Craft Council (2002) and Council of Fellows, American Craft Council, Aileen Osborn Webb Awards Presentation (2003). He also served on the National Council on Education for The Ceramic Arts board (1973-75, 1991-2000); NCECA president (1996-98); Fellow of the Council, National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (2001); American Craft Council trustee (1992-96); and American Craft Council College of Fellows (2003).

“My relief acrylic paintings have a gestural and organic movement which is created by the constructed three-dimensional form and the painted surface. Building a form with natural elements such as leaves and roots is a way to use the raw data of the landscape to influence the painted surface. This format opens the door for an expanded sense of energy and gesture that more accurately reflects my deep attachment and love for this space I inhabit. The natural environment is wildly alive and this work attempts to articulate that flow of energy.”

Janice Tanner received her MA Degree in Studio Arts from the University of Minnesota Duluth. She has exhibited throughout the Midwest, and has been the recipient of numerous grants including the Minnesota State Arts Board (2004); Minnesota State Arts Board Career Opportunity Grant (1996); Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, Individual Artist Grant from the McKnight Foundation (1995); and the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, McKnight Fellowship (2010). Tanner also served as a panel member on the Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program, Minneapolis Institute of Arts (1997-99).