Norse Pottery - Viking Bronzes to American Arts & Crafts: A Tradition Transplanted

Viking Bronzes to American Arts & Crafts: A Tradition Transplanted is a rare chance for art pottery enthusiasts to view a sizable display of Norse pottery.  From September 24 through November 30, 2008, the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin will be hosting an exhibition of this scarce pottery from the American Arts and Crafts movement. 

Museum visitors will find a unique collection of pottery that was created by Thorwald Samson and Louis Ipson, two Danish immigrants, during the early twentieth century.  In 1903, Samson and Ipson opened their pottery company in Edgerton, Wisconsin.  Their work was based primarily on traditional Scandinavian designs.  They used the forms and motifs of ancient Scandinavian artifacts as inspiration for their Norse pottery.  Their matte, black, metallic glaze and occasional green and gold highlights give their pieces the distinctive look of antiquity.

Guests who are visiting the Norse pottery exhibit will have two opportunities to attend visual presentations at Villa Terrace. On Sunday, October 12, Dr. Sheryl Samuelson will give a presentation entitled Norse Pottery: Viking Bronzes as American Arts & Crafts.  Dr. Samuelson is a prominent collector and pioneer researcher of this unique pottery.

On Sunday, October 26, guest-curator Nicol Knappen will give a presentation entitled European Elements of American Art Pottery.  In addition to being a former editor of the Journal of American Art Pottery Association, Knappen is a founding member and past president of the Wisconsin Pottery Association.  She will be sharing information about the origins of Norse Viking designs, which can be traced back to the Stone Age.

The Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M.  Admission is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for seniors and students.  Children and museum members are free. 

Just Art Pottery

The 22nd Annual Grove Park Inn Arts and Crafts Conference

   

It's time once again to start planning for the Annual Arts and Crafts Conference held at the historic Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa in Asheville, North Carolina.  The 2009 event will be February 20-22.  This is a unique opportunity for Arts and Crafts collectors and enthusiasts to add to their collections, meet the experts, and learn more about the style. 

The Grove Park Inn itself is a work of art and a piece of early 20th century history.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 95 year old inn has hosted F. Scott Fitzgerald, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and a president or two.  Visitors can still enjoy the same Hickory rockers and Roycroft chandeliers that these prestigious guests experienced in another century.  With one of the largest collections of Arts and Crafts furniture in the world, Grove Park's ambiance makes it the perfect setting for the Annual Arts and Crafts Conference.

The $145 Conference Events Passes allow participants to attend the majority of the shows, exhibits, seminars, discussions, and demonstrations.  Registering for the conference and purchasing a pass is the best way to get the most out of the experience.  General admission to the Arts and Crafts Antiques Show, Contemporary Craftsfirms Show, and Books, Magazines, and More Show is $10 for non-registered guests.

There will be a variety of hands-on workshops for those who register early enough.  The class fees are not covered by the conference passes.  This year's workshops will be:

• Make Your Own Block Print Cards - with artist Laura Wilder
• Basic Arts & Crafts Embroidery - with Ann Chaves
• Stenciling Your Bungalow in a Material World - with author and artist Amy Miller
• Techniques for Matting Artwork - with Peggy Hester
• The Basics of Arts & Crafts Metalsmithing - with master artisan Ron VanOstrand
• Introduction to Stains & Dyes - with expert restorer Dennis Bertucci
• Duplicating an Arts & Crafts Finish - with expert restorer Dennis Bertucci
• Decorating an Arts & Crafts Tile - with potter and designer Peg Morar
• Decorating an Arts & Crafts Vase  - with potter and designer Peg Morar

Small group discussions are some of the most popular events of the conference.  These informal sessions are led by volunteers and provide participants the opportunity to ask questions and share information.  Discussion topics include:

• Building an Arts & Crafts Home
• Arts & Crafts Furniture
• Collecting Art Pottery
• Interior Design
• Woodblock Prints
• Trends in Art Pottery
• Fakes & Frauds
• Collecting Roycroft Books
• Art Pottery Glazes
• Restoring Your Bungalow
• Color Selection
• Arts & Crafts Metalware
• Arts & Crafts Finishes
• Getting Published
• Landscaping
• Arts & Crafts Philosophy
• Working with an Architect
• Furniture Design & Construction
• Arts & Crafts Tiles
• Craftsman Homes

Conference registration is limited to 1500 people, and many collectors register several months in advance.  Most participants who wish to stay at the Grove Park Inn during the conference make their reservations a year in advance, but there are occasional cancellations closer to the event date.  There are several other lodging options for those who are not able to stay at Grove Park.

For more information or to register for the conference, contact Bruce Johnson, the conference founder and director, at  BJ1915@charter.net or (828) 628-1915.

George Ohr Pottery Exhibit

George Ohr Rising: The Emergence of an American Master The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts is hosting a traveling exhibit of George Ohr’s original works until June 22, 2008. The forty piece collection is on loan from the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi, Mississippi. The subtitle of the event, The Emergence of an American Master, refers to Ohr’s recovery from tragedy to create the most masterful work of his career. The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art experienced a similar tragedy, followed by a rebuilding period, after Hurricane Katrina partially destroyed its new building in 2005. The theme of tragedy to triumph is central to this exhibit.

George Ohr was born in Biloxi in 1857. He moved to New Orleans when a family friend offered him a job in a pottery studio, but he soon began traveling all over the United States and Canada learning more about ceramics. He returned to Biloxi to open his own studio, but his building and close to 10,000 pieces of his pottery were completely destroyed in a fire in 1894. His work after the fire was much more imaginative, and he began calling himself the “Mad Potter of Biloxi.” Because of his eccentric persona and over-the-top marketing, his work was not taken seriously until after his death. He is now considered a pioneer of modern art pottery. His work with modern forms and shapes was revolutionary.

The George Ohr Rising exhibit can be viewed at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts in San Angelo, Texas,  Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for senior citizens. After the George Ohr collection leaves Texas, it will travel to the Schein-Joseph International Museum of Ceramic Art in Alfred, New York, where it will open October 21. There is also a George Ohr Rising virtual gallery online for those who cannot see it in person.

Additional George Ohr Pottery Resources:

• Identifying George Ohr Reproductions
• George Ohr Pottery History

Just Art Pottery

Arts and Crafts Chicago Show and Sale

The third annual Arts and Crafts - Chicago antique event will be on May 17 & 18, 2008 at Concordia University’s Geiseman Gym.  The show and sale will feature furniture and accessories from the American and English Arts and Crafts Movements.  Admission to the show is $7, and doors will be open on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

This is a great opportunity for those who are interested in learning more about the Arts and Crafts Movement, those who want to learn how to furnish their turn of the century bungalows, or those experienced collectors who are looking for Arts and Crafts antiques to purchase.

In addition to the show and sale, two Arts and Crafts decorating workshops will be offered on Sunday.

·          Stenciling Your Bungalow: The Essentials of Vintage Art

Amy Miller of Trimbelle River Studio will teach participants about the vintage stenciling found on walls, curtains, and table linens in Arts and Crafts period homes.  This is a hands-on workshop where participants can practice the techniques from Amy’s recent book Stenciling the Arts and Crafts Home.  The workshop will be May 18 from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM, and the cost is $55.  See Trimbelle River Studios for registration information.

·          Light and Color: The Essentials of the Craftsman Home

Historic Interior Designer Karen L. Hovde will share her expertise on the use of color, light, and texture in Arts and Crafts home décor.  This prestigious designer will help participants choose a Craftsman style color palette for their homes.  Participants can bring pictures of a room in their home, and they will leave with paint chips, fabric, and carpet designs to use in the room.  This interactive workshop will be May 18 from 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, and the cost is $75.  Send an email to karenintvision@gmail.com to register.

Grove Park Arts & Crafts Conference 2008

The 21st annual Arts & Crafts Conference will be held at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa February 22 through 24, 2008.  This nationally recognized arts and crafts event was founded in 1988 by Bruce Johnson. 

The New York Times has referred to the Conference as the most important weekend of the year for Arts & Crafts collectors. The event is a must attend for arts and crafts enthusiasts ranging from new collectors, curators, craftsman, authors, contractors and builders, architects, designers, decorators, and craftsman or bungalow home owners. 

A three-day Arts & Crafts Conference is limited to 1500 people.  A event pass costs $140 per person and provides access to many activities including:

• Conference Seminars including topics such as "The Arts and Crafts style of Ann and Artus Van Briggle" and "Arts & Crafts Movement in the Pacific Northwest";
• Antiques Show;
• Contemporary Craftsfirm Show;
• Books, Magazines & More Show;
• Daily Small Group Discussions;
• Historical walking tours of the Grove Park Inn and Biltmore Industries;
• Daily Demonstrations and Special Events;
• and much more.

The arts & crafts conference's small group discussions are always very popular. This year's topics include discussions on:

• Building an Arts & Crafts Home
• Arts & Crafts Furniture
• Collecting Art Pottery
• Interior Design
• Woodblock Prints
• Trends in Art Pottery
• Fakes & Frauds
• Collecting Roycroft Books
• Art Pottery Glazes
• Restoring Your Bungalow
• Arts & Crafts Metalware
• Arts & Crafts Finishes
• Arts & Crafts Philosophy
• Furniture Design & Construction
• Arts & Crafts Tiles
• Craftsman Homes
• and much more.

Greg Myroth - Arts and Crafts Pottery

Twin Cities Arts and Crafts Show

The 8th annual Twin Cities Arts and Crafts Show and Sale was held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on Saturday September 22nd and Sunday September 23, 2007.  The show is billed as the largest arts and crafts event in the midwest dedicated to mission style furniture and decorative accessories from the American Arts and Crafts Movement. 

Our first day of the show featured steady traffic throughout the day with active buyers including both homeowners looking to decorate their bungalows or craftsman style homes with original arts and crafts era American art pottery as well as a good crowd of American art pottery collectors.  There was particularly strong interest in Rookwood and Teco Pottery as well as contemporary makers such as Modern Teco Art Pottery and Jemerick.  Sunday's crowd was roughly half of Saturday's and in general there appeared to be more browsing than buying.  Arts and crafts dealers we spoke with reported mixed sales results for the weekend. 

In addition to numerous arts and crafts furniture, metalwork, textiles and lighting dealers, the Twin Cities Arts and Crafts Show and Sale included several antique pottery dealers and a wide variety of contemporary pottery and tile makers.  In addition to the arts and crafts show and sale, there were also two small group discussions titled "Light in Bloom: Recreating Tiffany Lamps" and "Bungalows of the Twin Cities".   

If you have a turn of the century craftsman style or bungalow home, or are a collector of antique and contemporary art pottery the show is worth adding to your schedule for next year.

Greg Myroth - Just Art Pottery

Frederick Rhead - Zanesville Art Center Exhibit

Those of you heading to Zanesville next month for the annual Pottery Lover's Convention will want to check out the Zanesville Art Center Special Exhibit titled The Remarkable Rheads.  The Exhibit runs from June 30 - September 3, 2007 and features the antique pottery created by Frederick Hurten Rhead and his brother Harry.  The exhibit will also include English art deco ceramics as well as book illustrations and fine art prints.  The Remarkable Rheads exhibit will include works from the Zanesville Art Center's collection as well as art ware on loan from the Erie Art Museum, Western Reserve Historical Society, and the Ohio Historical Society.

Frederick Rhead came to the United States in 1902 and went to work for Vance Avon Faience Company for a short period of time.  He left Vance Avon in 1903 to begin a brief stay at Weller Pottery.  While at Weller Pottery, Frederick Rhead introduced the Weller Jap Birdimal line.  Between 1904 and 1908, Frederick Rhead was art director at Roseville Pottery.  During Rhead's time at Roseville, he developed the highly sought after Della Robbia line.  Frederick Rhead was also a designer and decorator at University City Pottery, Arequipa, William Jervis Pottery, Rhead Pottery, and Homer Laughlin China Company where he introduced the Fiesta dinnerware line.  An example of Rhead Pottery recently set a record sale price for art pottery at auction. 

When Frederick Rhead left Roseville in 1908 he was succeeded by his brother Harry Rhead.  Roseville Pauleo and Aztec are among the more notable patterns introduced by Harry Rhead.  Frank Ferrell replaced Harry Rhead as Roseville Pottery art director in 1918. 

Greg Myroth - Just Art Pottery

Grove Park Arts & Crafts Conference 2007

The 20th annual Arts & Crafts Conference will be held at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa February 15 through 18, 2007.  This nationally recognized arts and crafts event was founded in 1988 by Bruce Johnson.  The Arts and Crafts Conference and Antiques Show is limited to 1500 people and typically sells out a month before the event; so early registration is strongly recommended. 

Since its beginning, the event has been dedicated to the education of Arts and Crafts collectors.  The event is a must attend for arts and crafts enthusiasts ranging from new collectors, curators, craftsman, authors, contractors and builders, architects, designers, decorators, and craftsman or bungalow home owners. 

The following is a small sampling of the demonstrations that are provided for attendee's education:

• Proper Care for Your Arts and Crafts Furniture
• Copper Patination Techniques
• Arts & Crafts Blacksmiths

The arts & crafts conference also provides popular small group discussions. This year's topics include discussions such as:

• Building Your Arts and Crafts Home
• Designing and Decorating Your Arts & Crafts Home
• Defining and Living the Arts & Crafts Philosophy
• Art Tiles for the Arts & Crafts Collector
• Tips for Art Pottery Collectors
• Gustav Stickley and His Craftsman Home
• Collecting Saturday Evening Girls Pottery
• Tips from an Arts & Crafts Interior Designer

Another highlight of the conference is the arts and crafts seminar presentations which this year includes such topics as:

• Gustav Stickley & His Craftsman Furniture
• American Art Pottery: 1890-1920
• American Art Pottery: 1920-1940
• William Morris: Socialist and Shopkeeper
• Jewelry of the Arts & Crafts Era

As you can see the Grove Park Inn Arts & Crafts Conference is an educational event definitely worth adding to your schedule.

Greg Myroth - Arts and Crafts Pottery

Arts & Crafts Show Schedule

Here is a list of upcoming arts and crafts exhibits and shows worth attending.

Arts & Crafts San Francisco - August 12-13.   Large selection of arts and crafts furniture, pottery, art, textiles and much more.

Fine Furnishings Milwaukee - September 23-24.  Each Fine Furnishings Show presents a marketplace for custom furniture designed to fit a broad range of styles and an exciting variety of handcrafted accessories and original art.

Twin Cities Arts & Crafts Show and Sale - September 23-24. Approximately 50 dealers from across the country offering antiques from makers such as Stickley, Limbert, Roycroft, Rookwood, Minneapolis Handicraft Guild and more, as well as high quality reproductions from the era. The show features furniture, metalwork, pottery, textiles, art and lighting, as well as an extensive selection of reference materials on the period.

Historic Chicago Bungalow & Green Home Expo -  September 30 - Visit more than 100 exhibitors including artisans and craftsman, financial institutions, rehab specialists and city departments come together to provide one-stop shopping. Dozens of workshops are held throughout the day lead by national and local experts.

Historic Seattle Bungalow Fair - September 30-October 1- The Bungalow Fair hosts over 50 Craftspeople in metal, tile, glass, textiles, ceramics, and lighting, antique dealers, architects, and interior designers. The show and sale is an opportunity to learn about early 20th century architecture and design and to ask questions and get answers from knowledgeable people in the field.

Greg Myroth

Arts and Crafts Pottery