Jason Hargrove, Artist

🌟🍴 Day 4 Part 3: After our inspiring visit to , we grabbed lunch at our go-to spot, Cafetería Andrea. A quick stop at Mercadona allowed us to pick up a few local treats. The day took an adventurous turn as gave us a guided tour of Manises, leading us into Valencia where the stunning architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences awaited us.

The highlight of the evening was the beach where we ate dinner at Marina Beach Club, enjoying the sea breeze and delicious cuisine. As if the day wasn’t memorable enough, Chelo whisked us away to a local club where the vibrant nightlife of Valencia took over. From the serene to the sensational, this day was a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and camaraderie. 🏖️🍽️🎉

🎨🏛️ Day 4 Part 2 - Our visit to the studio of in Manises was a breathtaking journey through the seamless blend of classical and urban art. Their work masterfully combines graffiti with neoclassical art, bringing modernity and tradition together. Seeing their paintings and sculptures up close and exploring their creative process was truly inspiring. Discover more about their artistic ventures at www.pichiavo.com.

Later, we stepped back in time at , also in Manises. Nestled on historical grounds dating back to 1872, this venue is more than just accommodation—it’s a dive into the artistry of the past, surrounded by exquisite ceramic tiles and the gentle scent of jasmine. It perfectly captures the rich ceramic heritage of Manises. Learn more about this enchanting spot at casamayolica.com.

Exploring the streets and studios of Manises has shown us the vibrant interplay between art’s ancient roots and its modern expressions. This town not only embraces its history but propels it into the present with each brushstroke and sculpted clay piece. 🌿🏺

🎨🏺 Day 4 Part 1: UNESCO trip - Our visit to Porcelanas Mercedes in Manises offered a deep dive into the world of artisanal ceramics. Guided by Mercedes herself, we explored her workshop and witnessed the delicate process of crafting porcelain jewelry that seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with modern elegance.

From the rich history embodied in their techniques to the breathtaking views from the studio rooftop overlooking Sant Joan Baptista and the surrounding copper-colored tiles, it was a truly inspiring day that showcased the vibrant ceramic heritage of Manises.

🎁✨ Feeling incredibly grateful as I unpack the thoughtful gifts from the amazing people I met in Manises. Each item holds a special memory and a connection I made during my trip. Swipe to see the unique shot glass from Tania, straight from San Cristóbal de las Casas, filled with mezcal tonight (I hope that’s alright, Tania! 😄). 🥃

A huge thank you to everyone for your generosity and friendship. These gifts are not just souvenirs; they are reminders of the shared moments and stories that I will cherish forever. Can’t wait for our paths to cross again! ❤️

🌞🎨 Day 3: Relaxed mornings and vibrant nights in Manises! Started our day with breakfast at Cafetería Andrea, indulging in our favorite bocadillos—quickly becoming a delightful habit. 🥖☕

Wandered through streets adorned with graffiti and intricate ceramics—a visual feast! Spent some serene time lounging by the hotel pool, recharging for the evening’s excitement. 🏊‍♂️📸

Dove back into the cultural whirlwind at the Festa de la Ceràmica. 🏺🎉 Cristina introduced us to the sweet flavors of Plátano de Canarias, adding a tropical twist to our taste adventures.

The night continued with tapas and my new obsession—cremaet. This local coffee concoction has quickly topped my list of favorite brews. 🍴🍹 Ended our day with a nostalgic visit to Sant Joan Baptista de Manises, reliving memories and creating new ones.

Day 2: From a stunning tour of ceramic art to a lively UNESCO ceremony and an exquisite lunch at Asador Montemayor. Ended the day at the vibrant Ceramics Festival and a joyful evening party. Manises, you are a treasure!

🎨🌍 Day 2: From a stunning tour of ceramic art to a lively UNESCO ceremony and an exquisite lunch at Asador Montemayor. Ended the day at the vibrant Ceramics Festival and a joyful evening party. Manises, you are a treasure!

🌊🍽️ Just got around to posting about our first full day in Manises—spent at a beach in Valencia. Great food, stunning sights. 🏖️🇪🇸

“Wash Away the Warnings” 🌍

This July, I’m bringing this piece to the Festa Internacional de la Ceràmica in Manises, Spain. “Wash Away the Warnings” sheds light on the relentless challenges of industrial contamination and the collective endeavor to cleanse our environment.

Inspired by my firsthand experiences at the USEC Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, this artwork features a central image of a stray spray bottle adorned with a radiation symbol, embodying our struggles against persistent environmental threats. Accompanied by a figure in a respirator and a tainted wine glass, the painting poignantly captures the widespread impact of pollutants that infiltrate every aspect of our lives.

As we gather in Manises, let’s reflect on the vital changes needed to safeguard our health and our planet for future generations.

📅 On view at the Festa Internacional de la Ceràmica, Manises, Spain, from July 13-14

“Barrels Beyond Boundaries” 🛢️

As I prepare to showcase this piece at the Festa Internacional de la Ceràmica in Manises, Spain, I invite you to delve into the urgent message it carries.

“Barrels Beyond Boundaries” confronts the grave impacts of nuclear waste with a portrayal of stacked barrels, a stark symbol of radiological threats.

This work is a call to action—a plea for awareness, vigilance, and proactive measures against the perils we have created. As we look towards the future, let us not forget the lessons of the past, and strive for a safer, more accountable world.

📍 On view at the Festa Internacional de la Ceràmica, Manises, Spain.
📅 July 13-14 2024

🎨✈️ Sticker Alert! As I head off to the Festa Internacional de la Ceràmica in Manises, Spain, I’m bringing a special piece of Paducah with me—stickers! “Santa Lexie” and “Barrels Beyond Boundaries”. These are mini pieces derived from my larger paintings. 🖼️

🎁 I’ll be giving these away throughout my journey, spreading a bit of art and a message of environmental consciousness wherever I go. Keep an eye out, and you might just snag one of these collectibles!

📍

This July, I am honored to represent Paducah, Kentucky, at the Festa Internacional de la Ceràmica in Manises, Spain, a key event under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. This festival is not just a celebration of ceramic arts but a vibrant confluence of global cultures and artistic innovation.

During the festival, I will be presenting two of my works, Barrels Beyond Boundaries and Wash Away the Warnings. These pieces, deeply rooted in environmental themes, reflect on industrial impacts and our collective responsibility towards nature.

The Festa de La Ceràmica is an exceptional platform for artists to showcase their work and engage with the international art community. I look forward to sharing ideas, learning from fellow artists, and experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Manises.

For those interested in exploring the details of the artworks I will be displaying, please visit the links below for a deeper dive into each piece's concept and creation:

Embarking on an Artistic Journey to Manises, Spain — Jason Hargrove This July, I am honored to represent Paducah, Kentucky, at the Festa Internacional de la Ceràmica in Manises, Spain, a key event under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. This festival is not just a celebration of ceramic arts but a vibrant confluence of global cultures and artistic innovation. Dur

In preparation for our trip to the Festa i cavalcada de ceràmica in Manises Spain, I made some stencils for 9x9 tiles created by .alworth, and took three of his sketches and turned them into stickers.

We can’t wait to share these beauties at the festival, representing the vibrant art community of Paducah, KY, as part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

Tomorrow is the last day of the Community 2024 Draw-A-Thon at the Yeiser. Opened from 12pm-5pm. Go down there and make your mark!

‘BARRELS BEYOND BOUNDARIES’ – a statement on the environmental and human cost of nuclear waste. This piece reflects the urgent need for vigilance and accountability in the nuclear industry. Let’s raise awareness and advocate for a safer future. 🌍⚠️

Group exhibition at the Paducah School of Art & Design, running from June 20 to July 18. Join us for the reception on Thursday, June 20, from 5-8 PM. This event is free and open to the public.

Show Dates: June 20 - July 18
Gallery Hours: 9 AM - 4 PM, Monday-Friday
Reception: Thursday, June 20, 5 - 8 PM

Exhibiting Artists:
EJ Abell, Mark Donham, Nancy Flowers, Curtis A Grace, Jason Hargrove, Toney Little, LaNelle Mason, Sandra Pfeifer, Ben Walker

Guest Artists:
Jimy Nichols, Jacquelyn Carruthers

It’s an honor to showcase my work alongside such talented artists. Come support the local art community and engage with the creative works on display.

Hope to see you there!

Set up and ready. Stop by if you can!

200 stickers ready for the this coming Friday and Saturday. Come out if you can!

Getting ready for the Lower Town Arts and Music Festival.

Got the forge out, and got a bit crafty. Need a hoof pick? 🐎 I’ll have them at the Lower Town Arts and Music Festival in . It’s soon…very soon 😳

Sketching around. Gave myself an hour time limit. I’ve been working more 3D lately, so it’s nice to switch gears briefly.

In ‘Atomic Appetite’, I delve into the unsettling reality of radioactive pollution and its far-reaching impact on both the environment and human health. This piece, a heart encapsulated in epoxy resin, symbolizes the vulnerability of life in the face of nuclear dangers. The central skull shaped trefoil, starkly reminds us of the lethal consequences of radioactive exposure. Accompanied by a yellow knife and a magenta fork, tools emblematic of consumption and destruction, the artwork is a commentary on how the nuclear fuel industry, driven by human hands, cuts deep into the heart of our planet. The dark blue drip, a vein of relentless pollution, serves as a visual reminder of the ongoing, often unseen, environmental damage. Through this work, I aim to provoke thought and action against the unchecked proliferation of nuclear technology and advocate for the health and safety of affected communities and workers.

http://www.jasonhargroveart.com/atomic-appetite

Jason Hargrove, Artist Art

They still need to be fired.

Radiation Station; 2012; Markers and Ink on Paper.

#2012

Work in Progress 🛠️

Here’s a peek at what I’m currently working on. It’ll be a stash can one day.

I’ve been experimenting with this one. Made a hole and inserted a plastic trifoil into it. It’s all held together with some air-dry clay for now.

Found the trifoils and mold recently during the move - made long ago. Never had any intentions for them💀❤️

Inside, there will be a pill bottle that will be encase in plaster. Still figuring out the final look. May adjust the materials as well idk 🤔

Not sure yet where this is going, but that’s the fun part, right? Might stick to the plan, might take a sharp left turn. We’ll see.

Ever started a project with no clear destination in sight?

Harmony. 2009; 8.5 x 7 x 5 in; Ceramic.

#2009

🎨 Join us tomorrow, Saturday, August 12th from 2-4pm for an exhilarating art demonstration! Watch as Jason Hargrove showcases the versatility of stencil artistry. Witness the creation process of a vibrant, multicolor bowl using a meticulously hand-cut stencil. But that’s not all! Dive into the world of technology-meets-art as Jason demonstrates how a vinyl plotter transforms designs into tangible stickers and stencils. See these come alive on various surfaces with paint. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a DIY lover, or just curious, this is an experience you won’t want to miss! 🖌️ See you there!

http://www.jasonhargroveart.com

5 - 7 tonight at the
Wastelanders reception. Come out if you can!

Displayed during Fiesta de Cerámica in Manises Spain “Atomic Armor” explores the profound human experience of confronting radiation and nuclear threats. Through the evocative depiction of a figure meticulously suiting up in protective gear, the artwork prompts viewers to reflect on the invisible dangers and the importance of preparedness. It serves as a visual reminder to question our surroundings, contemplate radiological risks, and strive for a safer future in the face of nuclear phenomena.