One of the oldest potteries in the country which is still in existence, the Pewabic Pottery takes its name from the Chippewa word for the color of metal. It is this unusual metal-like glaze that the pottery specializes in, which brings in more than 70,000 visitors here every year.
Founded in 1903 by Mary Chase Perry Stratton and her partner, Horace Caulkins during the peak of the Arts and Crafts movement, the pottery is now a versatile institution which is devoted to the promotion of this exquisite craft as well as inculcating awareness about their pottery and making it accessible to a wide range of audiences. At the Pewabic Pottery, you can find a vast collection of tiles, featuring themes as diverse as nature and botanicals to sea-life and storybook patterned tiles. At the museum, you can find early Pewabic pieces juxtaposed with an array of contemporary ceramic art. The historic exhibit introduces you the contribution of the Pewabic Pottery in the history of Detroit, the development of the Arts and Crafts Movement in America and also the growth of ceramic art.
You can even register yourself for one of the many workshops that are organized here. Children can learn the nuances of the craft through a series of interactive courses like the Jack O' Lantern course where they learn how to fashion this Halloween ornament using ceramic. For teenagers, the Teen Throwing Class offers a unique experience of learning how to throw on the potter's wheel under the guidance of an expert. If you are visiting in a group of 20 or more, the Pottery recommends that you call ahead and schedule a guided tour. You can avail of discounted rates while also availing of an insider's view of the Pottery.
You can even arrange to have the pottery do up your residence or your workplace. The Pewabic Pottery offers you a host of exciting options. You can custom make your own designs or choose from the Pewabic Stratton Tile collection. Either way, you can savor the unique experience of handcrafted tiles in a custom glaze palette which boasts of a multitude of hues.
You can also have the pottery custom design a unique tile mural for your home or workplace or let them fire commemorative tiles to honor a volunteer, donor or employee. The Gift Shop offers you a wide collection of ornaments, vases, address plaques and even dinnerware. You can also buy a beautiful signature embossed box to present your souvenir in a spectacular way. The collection of books includes a series of hand altered Polaroid photographs of famous Detroit landmarks by noted photographer Cynthia Davis. While you're there, don't forget to browse through the various exhibitions the pottery hosts, which feature the designs by talented up and coming craftsmen.
The Pewabic Pottery is open from 10 am to 6 pm from Monday through Saturday and 12 pm to 4 pm on Sundays.
For further information you can refer to the website http://www.pewabic.com or call (313) 822-0954.
The Pewabic Pottery
10125 E. Jefferson Ave.
Detroit, MI 48214
