"Play's the Thing: The Paintings and Objects of Jun Kaneko," an exhibition of ceramic artworks, paintings and works on paper, opens in two parts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Sheldon Museum of Art this spring.

Beginning May 11, several of the artist's large ceramic pieces will be placed in Sheldon's Great Hall. On June 19, his paintings and works on paper will open in three second-floor galleries. The exhibition will be on view through Oct. 11.

Now living in Omaha, Jun Kaneko is internationally recognized for his large ceramic "dangos" (Japanese for dumpling). However, few people know that he was first a painter. This exhibition will explore the relationship between painting and sculpture. Works will include new large-scale paintings, works on paper, ceramic sculpture, and drawings of opera costume designs.

Upon his arrival in Los Angeles from Japan in 1963, Kaneko discovered innovative changes in ceramics: in form, function and scale. By approaching ceramics as large-scale abstract painting, and setting aside the rules of traditional ceramics, Kaneko saw endless possibilities in this medium. During the past 40 years he has gained worldwide attention for his ceramic work while continuing to challenge himself in other media. His aesthetic explorations include painting, drawing and printmaking, opera set and costume design, as well as new works in glass and bronze. His artwork is collected by museums worldwide, including the Sheldon, and he has received more than 30 public art commissions. Throughout these creative ventures Kaneko has continued to paint. With respect to ceramic work Kaneko said, "I always have a need to paint on it." He said "Play's the Thing" explores that need: painting as response to the thing itself.

Sheldon's First Friday reception 5-7 p.m. Aug. 7 will celebrate the exhibition and installation.

This exhibition is made possible with support from the Wake Charitable Foundation.

Sheldon Museum of Art houses a permanent collection of more than 12,000 objects focusing on American art. Sheldon, at 12th and R streets on the UNL City Campus, is open free to the public during regular hours. The museum's new hours, beginning June 1, are: Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; closed on Monday. For information or to arrange a tour, call (402) 472-4524. Additional information is also available on the Sheldon Web site, www.sheldon.unl.edu.

The link below is to a color JPEG image of an artwork in "Play's the Thing." It is "Untitled Head," Jun Kuneko, 2004, hand-built glazed ceramics, 78" x 63" x 70".