The Artery presents “Crackle and Glow: Raku Ceramics.” This vibrant exhibit features Brigitte Chertok’s naked raku and Paula Bellacera’s raku bird masks. Reception, Oct. 11, 6-9.  Naked raku, Brigitte’s choice, is a technique that uses all four elements – fire, earth, air and water.  Producing this type of raku was very exciting.  The smooth, silky burnished surface of naked raku mimics natural polished stone, which makes touching almost irresistible. Paula’s raku masks echo ancient civilization artistic celebration of animal spirits connection to humans. Another link to early cultures is their dependence on fire—also an essential to producing the unique quality of raku. The unpredictability of this ceramic technique is exciting and sometimes unexpected.  Raku is the art of imperfection.