Pewabic Pottery
By: Megan Kusulas| April 23, 2018| 5:30 p.m.
Heavy machinery, breakable vases, unique people all come together in one building. What seems like a small, cottage home, off of E Jefferson Avenue, is much more on the inside.
The artisans and patrons of Pewabic Pottery uphold the rich history of the education studio and building.
Chris Mayse, the studio educator, mentioned how special it is for Pewabic Pottery to be founded by a woman in 1903. This adds to the charm and character of the environment, said Mayse.
The founder, Mary Chase Perry Stratton, was surrounded by Pewabic copper mines growing up in northern Michigan, which led to the name of her pottery. Pewabic comes from the Native American term, translated as metal.
She moved to Detroit with her family, which is why the original location of Pewabic Pottery was near Comerica Park. Pewabic Pottery moved in 1907, to the current location.
The studio is crowded with individuals and supplies. There is an urgent need for expansion due to the layout of the original 1907 building, said Mayse. Every space has to be utilized within the small building. Tiny closets, window sills and even stairwells are stuffed with pottery supplies in order to fit within the quirky building.
The building is not handicap accessible, which is discriminatory toward those individuals interested in attending classes, said Mayse.
Pewabic Pottery has the community’s best interest in mind as it grows, which is why expansion is a top priority, said Kimmy Dobos, head archivist.
Pewabic has a significant impact on the community of Detroit and carries a strong reputation for a ceramic studio.
The reputation of the pottery has led to more recognition of the non-profit projects Pewabic Pottery has been involved with. The attention brings more support and more donors to Pewabic, mentioned Dobos.
The quirky space is bustling with individuals passionate about the history and art of pottery. Pewabic is known as a staple of Detroit, said Dobos.
Pewabic Pottery was “born during the boom of Detroit,” said Kimmy, giving the art exciting energy and feel.
Pewabic Pottery has survived many social shifts, said Dobos. Pewabic has survived the Great Depression, both World wars and the Detroit riots.
Pewabic Pottery has always been incorporated throughout many important historical buildings around Detroit.
Pewabic is featured in the Guardian Building in Detroit, the Undergraduate Library and Old Main at Wayne State University. Pewabic Pottery is at every Q Line stop, every people mover station, Detroit Institute of Art, Tigers stadium and Little Caesars Arena.
Increased visitor ship has occurred, as a parallel to the growth of Downtown Detroit, said Dobos, especially with the movement of supporting local Detroit businesses.
Over the years, Pewabic was able to maintain popularity by focusing on out-reach programs to support the Detroit community, but specifically Detroit schools.
Pewabic is involved with schools in the Detroit area regularly, exclaimed Kimmy. Aside from workshops, projects include fireplaces and fountains to bring color and life to multiple Detroit schools.
Chris talked about the educational outreach programs Pewabic Pottery is involved in with a great sense of pride and honor.
Pewabic Pottery is becoming more relevant and important in the educational systems, said Chris. With lack of funding and support from school administration, art programs are one of the first to go, which is why Pewabic is an important outlet for art, said Mayse.
Pewabic Pottery has a new program, which essentially is a pop-up pottery shop.
A Raku Kiln, allows pottery to be made and cooled in the same day, said Dobos, giving a more flexible approach to ceramics.
Mayse explained that this “mobile museum” is another way Pewabic Pottery is giving back to the community. With a mobile workshop, individuals are able to learn more about ceramics and what they can do with it, said Mayse.
Pewabic Pottery also houses an educational studio, for individuals to enhance their pottery skills. Pewabic gets a mixture of returning students, along with beginners.
“As a teacher in an environment like that it can sometimes be a challenge to try to make sure that everyone is working at the same level or has the same understanding,” said Mayse.
There is always someone working on a project, but that is what brings energy to the space, mentioned Chris.
“The education studio is always busy, between the classes offered throughout an eight-week period and open studio, nearly 200 individuals use this space in a session,” laughed Chris.
The educational studio is rewarding to artists because it allows for a respectful community, said Mayse. Escaping the pressures of academic pottery, Pewabic allows individuals to work at their own pace.
“The feeling of seeing a student break threw is the most rewarding aspect,” exclaimed Mayse.
Pewabic employees have a strong sense of pride surrounding the history of the business, along with the many successes.
Pewabic Pottery is seen as a “staple of Detroit,” said Dobos. There is a strong reputation with the name based on the history.
