When making a sculpture, the first thing I consider is the environment in which it will live. My sculptures and drawings often highlight overlooked details in infrastructure, drawing attention to the hidden systems that sustain our daily lives—like networks of pipes carrying heat and water. These utilities, typically concealed behind walls or underground, are crucial to modern existence. I seek to celebrate their overlooked beauty and utility. Clay, in particular, connects the natural world to the built environment, especially in a city like Chicago, built from bricks. Through my work, I explore the passage of time, the evolution of materials, forgotten significance of once-essential elements, and ultimately question the definition of ‘progress’ and ‘obsolescence’.
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Emily was born in Chicago where she has spent most of her days. She received a BA in Ceramics from Lewis & Clark College in 2019. After working as a Fabricator in Clay at AllKinds Studio in Chicago for several years, she is taking the leap to accept commissions, pursue residencies, and focus on her photography practice. See some 35 and 120 mm photo scans below.
2025Small Favors Show, The Clay Studio. Philadelphia, PA, AprilWatershed Center for Ceramic Arts Winter Residency, February— March Penland School of Craft Winter Residency, January2024Fabricating at AllKindsObjects of Desire, group exhibition. October-December. East Erie Gallery. Chicago, IL International Ceramics Studio Residency, September. Kecskemét, Hungary. Renegade Craft Fair. May2023Fabricating at AllKindsNo Artificial Ingredients, group exhibition. December. East Erie Gallery. Chicago, IL2022 Fabricating at AllKindsOngoing: Work represented by East Erie Gallery, Chicago ILhttps://www.easteriegallery.com/2021Fabricating at AllKindsFitted Together Resident showcase by Lori Piecyk and Milly (Emily) McClellan, Terra Incognito Studios and Gallery Oak Park, ILTerra Incognito Studios and Gallery Residency (2020-2021)2020 Function: Luncheon : small plates show, Good Earth Pottery, Bellingham, WA2019 Over Easy : Senior Art Exhibit at the Ronna and Eric Hoffman Gallery of Contemporary Art, Portland, OR Over Done : “Pop-Up” Show, Arnold Gallery, Portland OR Recent Graduates Exhibit at Blackfish Gallery, Portland, OR
