Ashtray

IMoDD Exhibition
February 7 – June 29, 2026

Lenders and Contributors:

Alan Blum
Alfred Ceramic Art Museum
Manitoga / Russel Wright Design Center
Daniel Mehlman
Scott Vermillion
Annie Wright

Introduction

Everyone has a story about ashtrays. Everyone. This exhibition tells a story that begins with the intersection of dining and smoking at the table. Part of the narrative is historical and part is a personal journey. Just like many dining experiences, it is a shared journey with memories to savor and laugh about, and lessons to be learned. Beyond the beautiful designs of many ashtrays there are appalling and devastating tragedies the link us all together. Come for the dishes; stay for the ashtrays. Leave with the knowledge that the conversation about dining and ashtrays will be ongoing and spirited.