CARTHAGE, Mo. — “Line and Shadow” a 3-D exhibition, illustrates the refinement and sophistication of a medium as it has evolved — over thousands of years — from the practicality of a utilitarian clay vessel to an art form that evokes pure design, form and beauty.

The show, featuring two ceramic artists, opens Friday at artCentral.

Jed Schlegel, of Saginaw, describes his art as being “attentive to form, with an emphasis on craftsmanship.” Oversize pieces thrown on a wheel and then altered in some way are considered his functional work.

His sculptural pieces usually combine natural elements (white stoneware and porcelain, for example). Melded into organic shapes through various construction techniques, they are given added appeal from interesting surface textures created by hand or tool, or randomly by the flame of the kiln.

Schlegel says his intent is to prompt the viewer to run their hands as well as their eyes over his creations. Although far removed from the practicality of a pot, a pitcher or a bowl, there is a shared sense of connection with the past through the timelessness of the sculptural shapes he produces.

His inspiration comes from nature, Schlegel said. After several trips to the Grand Canyon where he was immersed in the colors and textures of the weathered rock walls, the same surfaces and colors began to emerge in his work. The pieces you will see in the exhibit would fit comfortably in any rustic or contemporary home, hung on a wall or displayed on a table.

While participating in art shows across the country, my artist-husband and I have long been impressed with Schlegel’s award-winning work. It was great having someone from “close to home” there with us. I remember, in particular, a show in the Shaw Historical District of St. Louis, when the three of us enjoyed a wonderful Italian feast in the backyard of an art patron’s home on a warm summer night.

When he is not designing or creating his sculpture, Schlegel sometimes teaches a class in ceramics at Missouri Southern State University. He also holds workshops in his home studio. His next scheduled workshop in November is already at capacity.

Gregory Krepps, of Pittsburg, Kan., the other ceramic artist in the show, has worked for 30 years on pinched clay vessels. Round-bottomed and burnished, as often as six to seven times, the finely-crafted, pit-fired vessels are no longer functional. “But they are filled now with as much expression as vessels ever were,” Krepps said.

“As civilization grew, so did its craftsmanship,” he said, “and with it came more beautiful forms, better functional strength and better surfaces — whether smooth or decorative, they were reflective of personal taste and everyday life, spiritual, religious, or celebrating an event.

“I am always working on them towards better craftsmanship, knowing full well the surfaces and forms must fit to create a whole and beautiful piece.” Like Schlegel, Krepps hopes that his vessels give viewers the urge to touch and feel.

The opening reception for the show begins at 6 p.m. Friday in the main gallery of Hyde House, 1110 E. 13th St. Refreshments will be served, and admission is free.