It’s Only Clay, an annual juried exhibition of high-quality, functional ceramics at the Bemidji Community Arts Center, has its opening reception on Nov. 2.

This national exhibit features more than 40 works from around the country, and work from Minnesota-based potter and competition juror Robert Briscoe, who currently has work on display in Bemidji State University’s Talley Gallery, will be available.

The reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the Bemidji Community Arts Center, with Margaret Harlow Purchase Awards to be presented at 6 p.m. by Butch Holden, professor of visual arts in Bemidji State’s Department of Technology, Art and Design.

Purchase awards are made by Bemidji State’s visual arts programs, and purchased works are included in the University’s Margaret Harlow Vessel Collection, a permanent collection of functional ceramics.

Awards for the top three overall pieces also will be presented.

It’s Only Clay will be on display from Nov. 2 – Dec. 22, 2012.

It’s Only Clay 2012 is co-sponsored by the Bemidji Community Arts Center and the visual arts programs at Bemidji State University. Support is provided by the Holiday Inn Express , BSU Alumni & Foundation and Bemidji State’s Ceramics Club. Funding for It’s Only Clay also includes a grant from the Region 2 Arts Council through funding from the Minnesota state legislature.

For more information, contact Bemidji State’s Department of Technology, Art and Design at (218) 755-2950.