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February Issue
2011
Ben Owen Pottery Gallery Opens in Ritz-Carlton
in Charlotte, NC
The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, located in Uptown
Charlotte, NC, has unveiled its exclusive new Ben Owen Pottery
Gallery, presenting custom pottery pieces from renowned Seagrove,
NC, artist Ben Owen III. The new retail setting will be open to
the public daily and has been created to feature the work of an
acclaimed contemporary potter whose pieces already highlight the
hotel's extensive contemporary art collection.
Seventy of Ben Owen's original pieces are currently on display
throughout The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, and the opening of his
first gallery in the city will open up new access to hotel guests
and local residents wishing to purchase his work.
The gallery will offer 75-100 one-of-a-kind pieces of Ben Owen
pottery, with prices beginning at $45. Works will range from pots,
vases, jars, bowls and platters to major showpieces and spectacular
larger works of art. All items are hand-created by Owen, who also
will make special appearances at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte for
2011 art weekends and art demonstrations.
"We are honored to be working with an artist of Ben Owen's
stature," said David Rothwell, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton,
Charlotte. "Many of our guests have commented on his work
in our hotel public areas, and we are delighted to now make it
available on a retail basis. We look forward to welcoming Mr.
Owen to special art events at the hotel as well."
Born and raised in the legendary Seagrove pottery tradition, Ben
Owen III learned his art from his grandfather, Ben Owen, Sr.,
the long-time master potter at North Carolina's Jugtown Pottery.
Like his grandfather and other Seagrove potters, young Ben Owen
has made a special study of Asian ceramics, finding that the Seagrove
tradition has a special affinity for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean
forms and glazing techniques. Owen incorporates these influences
into vibrant glazed pieces which offer simplicity, strikingly
smooth shapes and brilliant colors yielding to earth tones. Owen's
works are owned by some of the world's most high-profile collectors,
with his large installations also seen in Ritz-Carlton hotels
and select private residences worldwide.
The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte is home to several hundred pieces
of fine art presented in striking locations throughout the hotel,
from the first-floor Lobby and second-floor meeting spaces to
guest rooms, corridors and the penthouse Spa & Wellness Center.
The hotel's commitment to supporting local art and artists is
visible as pieces and artists from the Carolinas are given special
prominence in this curated collection.
The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte is located at 201 East Trade Street,
in Uptown Charlotte. The Ben Owen Pottery Gallery will be open
daily from 9am to 6pm.
For further information call the hotel at 704/547-2244 or visit
(http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Charlotte/Default.htm).
Carolina Arts is published monthly by Shoestring Publishing Company, a subsidiary of PSMG, Inc. Copyright© 2011 by PSMG, Inc., which published Charleston Arts from July 1987 - Dec. 1994 and South Carolina Arts from Jan. 1995 - Dec. 1996. It also publishes Carolina Arts Online, Copyright© 2011 by PSMG, Inc. All rights reserved by PSMG, Inc. or by the authors of articles. Reproduction or use without written permission is strictly prohibited. Carolina Arts is available throughout North & South Carolina.