For ceramicist Angela Humes, art is a bold expression of familial and cultural pride. In her upcoming exhibit in Blair’s Romano Gallery, every piece is unique, holding its own personality. Nejwi “Secret Keeper” is the personification of Angela’s art into a family of works, where each piece has its own distinctive voice and most are named to honor a member of her family. The exhibit will be on display in the Romano Gallery from January 4 through 30 for all to enjoy.

A first-generation American artist of Palestinian descent, Angela creates functional black-and-white porcelain ceramic art. All of her wheel-thrown pieces are handmade and shrouded in a freehand sgraffito design inspired by her heritage. By not repeating designs, Angela ensures every piece she makes is one of a kind.

Today, Angela teaches ceramics at the Cheltenham Center for the Arts and Abington Art Center, both in Pennsylvania. Her work has been exhibited in shows throughout the Northeast, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art. A 2012 graduate of the Pratt Institute, Angela earned a BFA, majoring in photography with a concentration in ceramics. Her work reflects the Palestinian heritage she was surrounded by while growing up, admiring the vibrant artwork of her culture in the homes of her family members.

“I remember looking at all the lavish decorations painting every surface of their homes, the hand-woven rugs, tapestries, sculptures, paintings, lanterns, ceramic art and even their clothing, filled with intricate designs and patterns,” Angela explains. “It must have sunk in, as it inherently and intuitively comes out in my artwork—collected by my ancestors, absorbed through childhood and turned into its own unique being at this point in time through my hands.”

All are welcome to attend Angela’s artist talk in Blair’s Romano Gallery on Friday, January 10, at 7 p.m.