Jared Ziegenbein’s show “High Functioning Ceramics” will have an opening reception at the Plough Gallery June 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

TIFTON — Armed with cushioned mallets, Plough Gallery goers are encouraged to treat Jared Ziegenbein’s ceramic vessels as musical instruments during his show “Highly Functioning Ceramics.”

The artist will be present to discuss his work at the opening reception to be held Saturday, June 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The vessels will be hung from the ceiling and strategically placed around the gallery. Guests will be provided with soft mallets to tap and bop the vessels and explore the sounds they produce. Having the work hang from the ceiling allows the bowls to resonate longer than if it was on a table, similar to a bell.

The idea originated from Ziegenbein’s experience with creating ceramic work. During the process of making large scale porcelain bowls, he noticed how they resonated after being fired, the process in which clay becomes ceramic.

“I hadn’t considered that property of clay,” Ziegenbein said.

He started thinking of all the dynamics of clay that he had not noticed or had ignored. The sounds the vessels could produce was one of the qualities of clay he never contemplated highlighting before.

He hopes that the show will make people rethink how they can interact with ceramics.

“What I want people to take away from this experience is a greater understanding of the open ended-ness of ceramics,” he said. “That more is possible with this material than just making something to eat off of or put flowers in. I want people to ask the question, ‘What else is possible?’”

He said this show is only the beginning of his exploration of what ceramics can do.

Ziegenbein is a graduate of Valdosta State University with a Bachelor in Fine Art in art, focusing in ceramics, and recently completed a residency at the North Carolina Pottery Center in Seagrove.

Plough Gallery is located at 216 W Eighth St. The opening reception is open to the public and light refreshments will be served. Ziegenbein’s exhibit will be up for approximately a month.

More of his work can be found on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jzceramic.