Three views of an artist

Ceramicist, potter, designer, artist, sculptor. Whatever label you want to give Peter Shire, it probably doesn’t fit—his work is mostly unclassifiable. Examples of his playful, colorful furniture, household items and more (like the “Bel Air Chair” at right) are currently on view at three galleries in Baton Rouge, in a retrospective that’s a first for LSU’s Museum of Art, Glassell Gallery and the Student Union Art Gallery.

I’d describe his creations as a Joan Miró or Fernand Léger painting brought to life. But with 40 years of Shire’s work on display in Baton Rouge for the next few months, it’s clear he’s carved, assembled and shaped a space entirely his own.

Shire is currently the 2013 Nadine Carter Russell Endowed Chair, a rotating residency at the LSU College of Art+Design. Practically Absurd is on view at the LSU Museum of Art until April 14. Get there this Sunday to see it for free as part of the First Sunday event. Serious Fun is on view at the Glassell Gallery in the Shaw Center until March 24, and A World of Geometrics is on view at the LSU Student Union Art Gallery through Feb. 24.

You have two upcoming chances to meet the renowned artist in person: Shire will be on hand for an informal tour of the Student Union Art Gallery show this Sunday, 2 p.m.-4 p.m., and for a Gallery Talk event at the LSU MOA on March 10 at 2 p.m.

Find out more about Shire’s work here. And check out a short documentary on the artist below.