Don Davis created a a scale model of an Etruscan kiln excavated at Cetamura.
JOHNSON CITY, TN -- Don Davis, an associate professor in East Tennessee State University's Department of Art and Design, will have a unique creation on display from June 13-July 12, at the Casa Masaccio Museum in San Giovanni Valdarno, Italy.
Participating in an exhibition entitled "The Sanctuary of the Etruscan Artisans at Cetamura Del Chianti: The Legacy of Alvaro Tracchi," Davis created a scale model of an Etruscan kiln excavated at Cetamura and built approximately 300-200 B.C.
The model is constructed in two sections and is open in the back so that the interior can be viewed. The foundation replicates one found by archaeologists and the upper portion, which is removable, is based on existing evidence and conjecture by archaeologists. The artist developed the clay, which includes General Shale Brick material.
The project was supported by an ETSU Summer Research Fellowship in Arts and Sciences and an ETSU Research Development Committee Grant.
After attending the exhibition opening, Davis will conduct further research on ancient Etruscan kilns; meet with Italian representatives in Siena and Spannocchia to plan a full-size, functional kiln project for the summer of 2010; and teach a two-week "Wood Fired Terracotta" course at Spannocchia.
