Elle and Charles Dean: Greater Than the Sum of its Parts

Opening Reception: November 9, from 5-9pm

November 9 – December 28 

This exhibit focuses on the collaboration of the varied Artworks by Elle and
Charles Dean. They share a studio at Morean Center for Clay where they
design and execute cite specific commissions in clay for public and
private clients. The synergy between the two has enhanced both their
team output and their individual creations. While not working on such
larger projects, each artist maintains an independent studio practice where
they create they their own artwork and is supported by the other as
needed. 

This exhibit will include two wall-mounted ceramic sculptures
done in the style of some recent AC installations, and also individual
creations which include unusual tableware, ceramic, stone and wood
sculpture, framed terra cotta landscapes, oil paintings, and photography.
All will be shown in the main gallery at the Morean Center for Clay.

Elle Leonard Dean founded Architectural Ceramics LLC in Sarasota and is
the lead creative force for the larger installations. She teaches a “Tiles and
Murals” class at both Ringling College of Art and Morean Center for Clay,
where she met Charlie as her student. She has designed and built large
site-specific ceramic installations nationally: The Esalen Institute in Big
Sur, Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, and Saint Petersburg Clearwater
Airport, among others. She also has a passion for landscape oil paintings
and smaller framed terra cotta bas-relief pieces which will be on display,
as will be her recent wheel thrown series entitled “Bocce”, “Joy” and
“Geology”.

A Detroit area native, Charles’ background with clay was as a Designing
Sculptor executing clay models for General Motors utilizing plasticine
material. There, he learned technical skills which he has since incorporated
into earthen clay which has been an asset to the large installations. He
attended graduate school in sculpture at Wayne State University and is an
avid photographer. He will be displaying a broad variety of ceramic
tableware – “Hand-Forged”, hand-built sculpture – “Igneous” and “Paleo”,
and large framed photographs – “Devolution”.

For further information see: elleterryleonard.com, charlesdeanstudio.com,
elle.leonardll @ instagram