When 84-year-old potter Warren Mac-Kenzie was once asked what makes a good pot, he quoted a friend, the legendary Japanese artist Shoji Hamada: ย“The good pots are the ones I likeย…for me.ย” Itย’s easy to see why MacKenzie has been so successful as a potter: he hand-throws lovely, useful, graceful vessels that tread the line between fine art and consumer goods. The exhibition ย“Warren MacKenzie: Legacy of an American Potterย” at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft will include examples of his works, which are largely influenced by Japanese and Korean folk art traditions.

An accompanying exhibition, ย“Inspired: Students of Warren MacKenzie,ย” will show pots, vases, bowls and teapots by seven artists who have studied with Mac-Kenzie. Thereย’s an opening reception for both exhibits at 5:30 p.m. Friday, August 29. Regular viewing hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Through November 30. 4848 Main. For information, call 713-529-4848 or visit www.crafthouston.org. Free.

Tuesdays-Sundays. Starts: Aug. 30. Continues through Nov. 30, 2008

This article appears in Aug 28 – Sep 3, 2008.