Contours, Current & Clay by Allison Baxter, Marion Angelica & Melissa Critchley
Thursday, August 20, 2026 02:00 PM - Saturday, September 12, 2026 06:00 PM
Hallberg Center for the Arts - Freemore Gallery
Contours, Current, and Clay
A Trio Exhibit featuring the artwork of
Allison Baxter & Marion Angelica & Melissa Critchley
in the Freemore Gallery
Sponsored by Dave Freemore

Melissa Critchley
My main body of work is abstract or abstract representationalism and is completed using acrylics and fluid techniques with details done in metallic paint marker. In this exhibit, I would like to present artwork that explores the fusion of technology and humanity, revealing both the allure and the potential consequences of this evolving relationship. My work invites reflection on whether technology is an artificial construct or an inevitable progression of nature itself—blurring the boundaries between machine and human, circuit and vein, root and wire.
It offers a cautionary reflection: as we weave artificial systems ever deeper into our existence, do we risk severing ourselves from something essential? I'm a dual citizen of both the US and Luxembourg. Fond du Lac, Wisconsin is where I was born and raised, and now have lived in the Twin Cities for over 25 years. I have MacTel (Macular Telangiectasia), which impacts my vision. Pinching in my vision makes it impossible to see straight lines. I also experience double vision, blind spots, and disappearing letters and numbers when reading due to the MacTel.
I hold bachelor's degrees from the University of Minnesota in Art and Art History, and an interdisciplinary master's degree with a focus of stress management and minors in Complementary Healing Therapies and Prevention Science. I also graduated summa cum laude from Eastern Gateway Community College with an AAB in Business Management and an emphasis in Marketing. My studio, Radical Reality, is located in the F-O-K Studios building on Harriet Island in the West Side neighborhood of St. Paul.
https://radicalreality.studio/
Allison Baxter
Allison Baxter (b. 1999) is a sculptress and draftswoman from Minnesota. Her interest in the classical atelier tradition was first sparked by a mentor at The Perpich Center for Arts Education, where she attended high school. In 2018, Allison began her formal training in sculpture and drawing at The Florence Academy of Art in Florence, Italy, driven by a deep commitment to mastering these timeless techniques.
Alongside her artistic pursuits, she earned a BA in Religious Studies from St. Olaf College, graduating in 2021. Allison’s work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally, with recent showcases in London and Pieve di Cadore, the birthplace of Tiziano Vecellio.
Her work delves into the rich narrative landscapes of Roman and Greek mythology, as well as resonant themes drawn from the broader Christian tradition—often casting friends and family as her models for the allegorical figures bringing these ancient stories to life. Dividing her time between Minnesota and the artistic haven of Florence, Allison continues to refine and expand her artistic practice.
https://www.allisonbaxterart.com
Marion Angelica
I am biology/art major, arts administrator, academic and returned ceramic artist. Although trained to throw on the wheel I now exclusively hand-build all my work. I feel that hand-building, and in particular using soft slabs and coils, gives me great flexibility in creating form, using texture and reflecting the luscious nature of wet clay in my fired work.
My work is made of Grolleg porcelain fired to 2300 degrees F. While known to be temperamental, porcelain has lovely qualities. It accepts even the most subtle textures and allows glaze colors to be rich and brilliant. With tender handling and careful drying, it can be cajoled into a wide variety of forms. I have fallen in love with this media, with both my hands and my heart. I create functional ceramic work that has a strong sculptural sense. I have chosen to do this for several reasons. I would like people to live intimately with my creations and make them part of their lives’ celebrations, rituals and pleasures. I am currently a resident studio artist and teacher at The Northern Clay Center in Minneapolis, MN.
I returned to the studio in 2006 after over twenty-five years of working in arts administration, education and nonprofit consulting and I am incredibly happy in what was my first and is now in my final career.
Link or website to view your artwork :
http://www.marion-angelica.com
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Map
All Dates
- From Thursday, August 20, 2026 02:00 PM to Saturday, September 12, 2026 06:00 PM
