City of Tracy Cultural Arts Division
News Release
Media Contact Only:
Matt Robinson
Public Affairs Officer
City of Tracy
(209) 831-6109
matt.robinson@ci.tracy.ca.us

Tracy, CA – The City of Tracy Cultural Arts Division will present a new thematic exhibition,
Dualis: Ceramic Invitational, curated by Ilena Finocchi. at the Grand Theatre Center for
the Arts, 715 Central Avenue in historic downtown Tracy, California. Dualis is on display
from April 4th through June 14th, 2008 in the North, Souza, and Matthews Galleries.
The Opening Reception is planned for Friday April 4th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m..
These events are free and open to the public.
Dualis is a thematic group exhibition of emerging ceramic artists that spans the genres
of functional, sculptural, and spacial art. Over 20 artists from across the United States,
and 1 from Thailand were selected for versatility and creativity in using clay as the main
material in their work. The exhibition’s title, Dualis, is the Latin root word meaning two.
Each artist is allowed to explore the theme both in style and genre. This exhibition is
curated by Ilena Finocchi and features work by: Ben Alhvers, Jen Allen, Josefina Calzada,
Tiffany Carbonneau, Tim Clark, Gisele Couturier, Amy Halko, Brian Harper, Jen Holt,
Liz Howe, Miranda Howe, Maria Kretschmann, Stephanie Leach, Krisaya Luenganantakul,
Lorna Meaden, Dulcie Miller, Jill Oberman, Tara Wilson, Lori Phillips, Hope Rovelto,
Kristin Schimik, and Shalene Valenzuela.
In addition to the exhibition, the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts will launch the
Artists-In-Residence Program in May. Through cross-collaboration between the Center’s
Arts Education and Exhibitions Program, artists from the exhibition will travel to Tracy
to offer a special ceramics workshop and Gallery Talks available to the public in May;
dates and times to be announced.

Ilena Finocchi is an artist and independent curator from North Lima, Ohio. Across her
career she has worked in graphic design, illustration, and as a ceramic sculptor.
Ms. Finocchi received a B.F.A. from Youngstown State Unversity (Youngstown, OH) and a
M.F.A. from the School for American Crafts, Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester,
NY). She has exhibited professionally since 2003 and Dualis is her first professionally
curated international exhibition.
About the Grand Galleries
The Grand Galleries Exhibitions Program offers combinations of professionally-produced
exhibitions and arts-based events featuring local, regional, national, and international
artists, as well as arts educators and organizations in all disciplines and genres.
Often, exhibitions collaborate with the Arts Education and Presenting Programs to
develop educational and interactive components such as demonstrations, gallery talks,
receptions, residencies, and workshops.
Grand Galleries’ public hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and for one
hour prior to all performances on the Grand Theatre stages. Free parking is available on
nearby streets and public lots at 6th Street and Central Avenue. Tours are available and
private and group gallery talks can be arranged. The Grand Galleries are accessible to
persons with disabilities and patrons are asked to call ahead to address special requests
and needs at (209) 831-6ART (6278).
Further information regarding the Exhibitions Program is available by calling
209.831.6ART (6278). To arrange a facility tour, visit online at www.atthegrand.org.

Note to Editor: Additional information for the artist/curator can be found online
at www.ilenaf.com. Gallery Supervisor, William F. Wilson II is available for interviews at
(209) 831-6299.
Photo Caption:
Dualis: Ceramic Invitational, Curated by Ilena Finocchi
Sculpture by Hope Rovelto
Image courtesy of the Artist – all rights reserved