Exhibit celebrates Whidbey women working in clay

Published 1:30 am Friday, August 7, 2026

Six women artists are bringing Whidbey Island’s ceramics scene into the spotlight during “Island Form: Women Working in Clay on Whidbey Island,” an exhibition opening Aug. 8 at Koneksi Gallery in Clinton.

Curated by studio potter Sasha Polonko, the monthlong exhibition showcases the work of Cara Jung, Cynthia Gerdes, Grace Yvonne Roberts, Clovy Tsuchiya, Hannah Eileen Staber and Polonko.

“A lot of women artists could use more exposure in the community,” she said.

Polonko said she has been planning the exhibition for six months now, but the idea has been with her for many years. She said she has benefited from and connected with Whidbey’s community of women ceramic artists throughout her career.

“Organizing this exhibition felt like an opportunity to give something back to them and to create a platform that creates and celebrates the artists around me and not just my own work,” she said.

Polonko said she chose to showcase the selected artists based on their professional dedication to the craft as well as the diversity of their approaches and techniques in clay, with some focusing on functional pottery while others creating sculpture.

“Everyone brings their own perspectives, techniques and visual language to the exhibition,” she said.

Polonko emphasized her hope that the exhibition will help create connections between local artists who make up the island’s vibrant arts community and local residents. This, she said, will help sustain the creative culture that makes Whidbey Island so special.

As for who should attend the exhibition, Polonko recommended that people of all ages, regardless of their familiarity with ceramics, should come check it out.

“If you appreciate handmade objects, art, design or just want to support local artists and women, I think you’ll find something that resonates with you for sure,” she said.

“Island Form: Women Working in Clay on Whidbey Island” opens Aug. 8 at the Koneksi Gallery in Clinton. There will be an opening reception from 5-8 p.m. where guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists and hear them discuss their work. The exhibition will run through the end of August.