<DIV><DIV><DIV><DIV>No other volume has ever presented such a diverse and captivating collection of contemporary animal-themed ceramics. Juried by distinguished artist and educator Joe Bova, this magnificent gallery includes pieces from an international group of artists; the beautifully crafted works range from the representational to the abstract, from artful realism to provocative surrealism (including animal-human hybrids). Ann Marais&#8217; image of a waterfowl painted onto a porcelain dish has a restrained, Asian quality. Sharkus&#8217; painted and smoke-fired stoneware turtle could easily be mistaken for the living creature. Bova provides astute and illuminating commentary overall, with selected artists&#8217; notes.</DIV>