The Potters of Energy Xchange

MudFire Gallery will host "The Potters of Energy Xchange", a group show of fine craft by the four resident potters of Energy XChange in North Carolina - LeAnne Ash, Amber Bewernitz, David Eichelberger, and Emily Reason. The Energy XChange Craft Studios were the first craft studios in the world fueled by landfill methane gas, and have inspired a wave of similar projects that are under construction in the Southeast. Built on top of a retired landfill, the studios harness the energy created by decaying organic material to fire their kilns and heat the studio, while protecting us all from harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

This gallery exhibit and sale will be available for viewing February 11 through March 11 of 2006. An artist reception and opening party will be held from 5 pm to 9 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2006.

About the Artists

The Potters of Energy Xchange are talented ceramics artists who have been selected from a competitive pool of applicants.

LeAnne Ash earned a BFA in ceramics from Cleveland Institute of Art, and has taught ceramics at Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts and Cleveland Museum of Art.

Amber Bewernitz holds a Bachelors in Art History from Colorado State University, and is a member of the prestigious Southern Highlands Craft Guild and Toe River Arts Council.

David Eichelberger graduated from Virginia Polytechnic & State University with a BFA in ceramics, and has worked at the Penland School of Crafts and Santa Fe Clay prior to his residency.

Emily Reason has a BFA with ceramics concentration from West Virginia University, with additional studies at Penland School of Craft and Chautauqua Institution School of Art.

About Energy Xchange

Energy Xchange, located in Burnsville, North Carolina, is a complex of craft studios and greenhouses formed to demonstrate the responsible use of landfill gas as an energy source for small enterprise in craft and horticulture. Landfill gas is created by bacteria as organic trash decomposes in retired landfills. Fifty percent of the gas is methane, which released into the atmosphere is twenty times more dangerous than carbon dioxide in terms of global warming effects. Energy Xchange is a non-profit organization operating with assistance from the US EPA. By harnessing the power of the methane released naturally by the landfill, they prevent this harmful gas from reaching the atmosphere while powering various horticultural and craft studio programs. These programs include a clay studio with four residency positions tailored to help emerging artists hone their craft while building a business.