Art from the Earth: Early American Stoneware

Introduction to the Gunn Museum's exhibit "Art from the Earth: Early American Stoneware" (April 29 - Oct. 14, 2012)
Film produced by Michael Hassler Bird and narrated by Guy Wolff.
We thank Guy Wolff for his participation in this exhibit. Please visit Guy's shop at 1249 Bantam Road (Rt. 202) in Bantam, Connecticut and on the web at: www.guywolff.com
This exhibit features over one hundred pieces of uniquely decorated 18th and 19th century stoneware, from throughout the Northeast, assembled by Edwin & Thayer Hochberg, David Behnke & Paul Doherty, and Edward & Judith Kelz.
Stoneware, known for its durability, was considered the perfect material for making sturdy household necessities such as jugs, crocks, jars, pots, pans and became a staple of American life during the nineteenth century. The elaborate and unusual cobalt blue designs on stoneware are the reason these once utilitarian goods are now cherished as Folk Art. The clay also lent itself to the production of more decorative items such as dolls, vases, ink bottles and figurines which are included in this display.
Led by artistic director Chris Zaima and designer Sandy Booth this exhibit features wall murals by local artists Keith Templeton and John Pitts, the former scenic artist at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Large and elaborate examples of stoneware will be creatively displayed on beautiful antique tables, cupboards and armoires from Monique Shay Antiques of Woodbury(www.moniqueshayantiques.com). Many of the items in this exhibit are for sale including the furniture from Monique Shay and all of the Hochberg stoneware, with a percentage of every sale donated to the Museum.
Related events will be held monthly in the Wykeham Room of the Gunn Library: (registration is recommended: 860.868.7756)
Sunday April 29th from 1:00-3:00pm - Exhibit Opening Reception
Saturday May 5th at 1:00 p.m. - "The Birds of Bennington" with Dr. Steven Leder of Yale University
Sunday June 10 at 1:00 p.m. - "Hidden Treasurers" with Leslie Keno of Antiques Road Show and Sotheby's
Saturday August 4 at 10:00 a.m. - "Potter's Studio Tour and Demonstration" at Guy Wolff's Workshop in Bantam
Sunday September 23 at 1:00 p.m. - "Archaeological Evidence of Early Stoneware in New York City" with Meta Janowitz of the African Burial Ground Project
Saturday October 13, 10:00am - "Manhattan Stoneware, 1795-1820" Lecture followed by a "Stoneware and Redware Appraisal Event" with the Brandt and Mark Zipp of Crocker Farm in Maryland
This exhibit is supported by a grant from The Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut, in collaboration with The Connecticut Humanities Council. Admission to the museum and all its programs is free. For more information call 860.868.7756 or view www.gunnlibrary.org
Gunn Memorial Museum
5 Wykeham Road
Washington, Connecticut 06793
www.gunnlibrary.org
860.868.7756