Clay artifacts have the power to arouse wonder and to tell powerful cultural stories—and America’s museums have fundamental responsibility to help make this happen. This much needed activation begins with a dedication to thinking anew about collections as a way to make them more relevant, not only within the walls of the institution but also within the community and, in this digital age, for the world at large. Time-worn approaches to historical interpretation need to give way to more inclusive approaches through the incorporation of new voices, new narratives, and newer ways of thinking and seeing. This talk explores a wide array of museum-based and education projects initiated by the Chipstone Foundation in its search for more powerful ways to tell vital clay narratives.

1. CLAY
CULTURE
AND
RELEVANCY

3. “HISTORY
HAS TO BE REWRITTEN
IN EVERY GENERATION….”

23. REMAINS: verb
That which continues to exist; all
that is left after other parts have
been taken away, used up or
destroyed; ruins or fossils

45. When you fill this Jar with pork or beef
Scot will be there to Get a peace
-Dave

47. REMIX
REMIX
REMIX
REMIX
REMIX
REMIX

48. CHANGE DOES NOT
ROLL IN ON THE
WHEELS OF
INEVITABILITY, BUT
COMES THROUGH
CONTINUOUS
STRUGGLE. AND SO
WE MUST
STRAIGHTEN OUR
BACKS AND WORK
FOR OUR FREEDOM.
A MAN CAN’T RIDE
YOU UNLESS YOUR
BACK IS BENT.

49. THE ULTIMATE MEASURE OF A MAN IS
NOT WHERE HE STANDS IN MOMENTS
OF COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE, BUT
WHERE HE STANDS AT TIMES OF
CHALLENGE AND CONTROVERSY.

53. http://www.artbabble.org/partner/chipstone

64. www.chipstone.org