Display presents Picasso as a ceramist

Pablo Picasso crafted thousands of ceramic pieces late in his career that reflected his Mediterranean and Spanish roots, this art was long overshadowed by his famous paintings and sculptures.

Now a major exhibition of Picasso's ceramics is making its United States debut as the centerpiece of a new Iberian arts festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington. Many people don't know about Picasso the ceramist, so curators brought together more than 140 pieces to showcase his work.

Picasso's approach was a departure from the centuries-old traditions of smooth and polished ceramics as he created his own shapes in clay and employed his own colorful painting style. Curators say they hope the exhibition surprises many visitors who already know some of Picasso's work.