The
International Orton ConeBox Show was started in the early 1970s as a way
to encourage and promote creativity and excellence in the ceramic community.
Cones are triangular objects used to measure kiln temperatures and they come
packed inside cone boxes. The Standard Orton Cone Box, which measures 3"
x 3" x 6", was chosen as the size limitation for the show. All the
entries must fit into the interior space of a cone box.
During the seventies the show was held at Purdue University and the University
of Kansas. Eventually it became an international event and Baker University
in Kansas took over as host of the competition. Since 1994 Inge G. Balch,
Chair of the Art Department of Baker
U niversity, has been the curator of the ConeBox Show. The first international
show was held in 1994 and the Cone Box Show has since been held biennially
ever since.
The high quality of the ConeBox Show is maintained by inviting national and international jurors, who are recognized as authorities in the field of ceramics, to jury the work. The entries are chosen for creativity, imagination, craftsmanship and aesthetic excellence in combination with the artist's understanding of the medium.
In the last four shows, 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2004, there have
been artist entries from 28 countries, including all 50 USA States, plus Puerto
Rico. There have been entries from 1,812 artists who submitted 2,950 art pieces.
The actual ceramic pieces are mailed to Baker University to be juried for
the show. Slides are not used.
The show travels to both national and international locations giving numerous people the opportunity to view and learn from these intriguing ceramics statements.
This exhibition is made possible by the generous sponsorship
of
Trinity Ceramic Supply, Inc.
in Dallas, Texas
San Angelo Museum
of Fine Arts
One Love Street
San Angelo, Texas 76903
Fax: (325) 658 - 6800
Phone: (325) 653 -
3333
e-mail:
museum@samfa.org