In May, Red Star Studios will feature over 200 cups by Ehren Tool created during a trip to Vietnam on the Lighton International Artists Exchange Program. The exhibition opens May 6th with a reception from 6-9pm. The exhibition runs through May 28th.
Ehren Tool seeks to create an awareness of war by embellishing his cups with combat imagery and political quotes. Tool, a former U.S. Marine who served in the Gulf War, received his BFA from the University of Southern California in 2000, and an MFA from the University of California at Berkley in 2005. Featured in this solo exhibition are 200 cups Tool made using local clay while in Vietnam. His work commemorates his father and other veterans who served for the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Tool’s trip to Vietnam was made possible by contributions from the Lighton International Artists Exchange Program and the Kansas City Artists Coalition. A portion of Tool’s proceeds from the sale of his work will go to an organization that supports veterans suffering from the effects of Agent Orange.
Red Star Studios, a mainstay in Kansas City’s ceramics scene for more than a decade, recently partnered with the Belger Arts Center in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District, and is currently operating out of the Belger Building at 2100 Walnut Street. The Red Star gallery is open 10 am – 4 pm, Wednesday through Friday, and noon – 4 pm on Saturdays. The gallery remains open until 9 pm on the First Friday of every month. Red Star Studios also features spaces for resident artists and offers classes and workshops for all skill levels to the public. For more information please contact Calder Kamin, gallery coordinator, at ckamin@redstarstudios.org or 816-474-7316.
