April 23-May 15, 2026 – 567 Georgia St, Demorest, Georgia
Last week the museum at Piedmont University was transformed into a gallery of arts and design celebrating the well executed craft, design and art of Piedmont students Jessica Erin Ruizm Pedro Luis Ruiz, and Arly Lerma. We were privileged to see this fine collection and to hear directly from the artists.
Arly Lerma‘s installation “Hecho aqui” channeled the artistry and inspiration of the neighborhood shops where art and design are for aesthetics and also business strategy to appeal to their clientele. Lerma shared that the design and style in these corner stores that is behind the counter, in the aisles, throughout the store, is artistically inspired and also business inspired to leave an impression and memory on their visitors. Lerma definitely had fans there as she was asked more than once if “Hecho aqui” was also a brand for merchandise available that night.
Pedro Luis Ruiz’ art pottery was a combination of Arts and Crafts movement with geometric shapes that are visually appealing with their asymmetry and also ask questions and start conversations the way Andy Warhol works sparked questions when you see a shape or form you know in a different setting. I thought Ruiz’ masterful pottery works were also Mid Century Modern inspired with the geometry of their design, and how each work was different and unique viewed from a different side. Ruiz shared how clay resists and challenges the artist, and fights back as you mold it, and then may also have a mind of its own when fired. Ruiz shared the advice to take every art class you can to learn in order to incorporate different styles, techniques and media into your works.
Jessica Erin Ruiz’ works were impressive for their scale and scope on the walls and the design of each element of her wall installations. Ruiz shared that her works reflect a gravitation to patterns and order as a reaction to chaos and unpredictability. She was also inspired by the craftsmanship of handmade object, and we were so impressed how bowl or trivet object that was just one element of the entire work was each a work of art that had been impressed with a unique crochet pattern. She had laid a crochet pattern on each work and impressed the unique that unique pattern on each bowl. One of the guests asked how these works are installed on the wall, and Ruiz shared the behind the scenes insight that she lays out the object on a giant piece of paper and traces out where they should be and then uses the paper on the wall to place each item and then removes the paper once each item is installed. Fascinating! We also remarked that we could see one of these palatial works on display in a fine high end hotel or corporate building in New York.
Hearing directly from the artists, and speaking with other guests, the intellect, inspiration, and craftsmanship of each artist was clear and no wonder they were all honored last week for their fine works. This exhibit goes until May 15th, so be sure to see it before closing!
