Allan Kluber’s ceramics are on view until July 1 at the Karin Clarke Gallery, with an exhibit of paintings by Bets Cole starting on July 5

(Above: “High Desert Drama” is one of Eugene artist Bets Cole’s newer works, on display from July 5-29 at the Karin Clarke Gallery.)

Ceramics artist Allan Kluber’s “new work” is inspired by the landscape of southeastern Utah

Allan Kluber was a widely acclaimed ceramics artist in the Eugene area and beyond during the 1970s and ’80s until he abruptly stopped his artistic career in 1986.

His explanation at the time to was that he felt his work to that point was complete, Eugene gallerist Karin Clarke said, leading to an artistic hiatus that lasted for 20 years.

It ended after Kluber visited southern Utah last year and became inspired by the area’s rock formations, Clarke said.

His return to ceramics resulted in an avant garde series called “Geologic Forms” that makes up the “new work” portion of Kluber’s “Old Work/New Work” show now at the Karin Clarke Gallery.

Paintings by David McCosh, Robert Schlegel, Adam Grosowski, Mark Clarke and other artists also are on display.

Allan Kluber’s previous work from the 1970s and ’80s is typified by this ceramic bowl

The show of Kluber’s work ends on July 1, to be replaced on July 5 by a solo show of 20 new paintings and drawings of scenes from Oregon and the Eastern seaboard created by Eugene artist Bets Cole.

The new show combines large-scale charcoal drawings and smaller acrylic and gouache paintings, often painted “plein air” — on location in nature — in a way that reflects the immediacy of changing light and shadow.

“Version 2” is one of Bets Cole’s charcoal renderings of landscapes

As Cole describes the process, nature is “not so much subject matter as a constant companion,” presenting challenges as the landscape changes in terms of light, color and form.

Cole’s show, “Line, Value and Color,” runs through July 29. The Karin Clarke Gallery will be a stop on the downtown Eugene First Friday ArtWalk on July 7, when the artist will give a talk about her work at 6:30 p.m.

Karin Clarke Gallery

Where: 760 Willamette St. in downtown Eugene

Information: 541-684-7963 or karinclarkegallery.com