Monday, November 21, 2016

Pewabic Pottery--and a Giveaway!


Influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, Mary Chase Perry experimented with glazes, using her neighbor, Horace Caulkins' basement kiln. She developed beautiful new finishes for her ceramic art work. Caulkins’ Revelation kiln, first used for dental ceramics, and then with Mary’s ceramics, formed the basis of the partnership which became Pewabic Pottery.

Copyrighted, Fair Use, Author unknown
Perry had been born in Hancock, Michigan in the upper peninsula, where copper had been mined. “Pewabic,” the name of a copper mine, coming from a Chippewa word which had to do with metal, became synonymous with the beautiful iridescent glazes she used on her pottery.


Pewabic Pottery building in Detroit, by Andrew Jameson
(Creative Commons)
 
The business partnership began in 1903. In 1908, Perry and Caulkins commissioned an important Detroit architectural firm, Stratton and Baldwin to build a new studio on East Jefferson Avenue in Detroit to house Pewabic Pottery and is still in existence to this day. In 1907, they moved into the Tudor structure. While the building had changed hands for a time and was used as an educational facility by Michigan State University, it has since become a National Historic Landmark and is now occupied by the non-profit, Pewabic Society, Inc. 

1930s glazed earthenware, Public Domain
William Stratton, who was interested in supporting the arts, took a personal interest in Mary Chase Perry and eleven years later they married. Mary Chase Perry Stratton continued her work at Pewabic Pottery until her death at 94 in 1961.

Vessels and tiles, adorned with the lustrous colors and iridescent glazes of Pewabic Pottery became a well-known representative of the Arts and Crafts movement. The studio’s work adorns buildings across the country, such as the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. It’s part of the collection at the Detroit Institute of Art as well.

From old water fountain at the Detroit Institute of Arts,
by Maia C., some rights reserved. 
Many vintage homes in the Detroit area boast Pewabic Pottery tiles from across the many years in colorful and muted hues and patterns surrounding fireplaces. Pewabic tiles are still considered desirable. 

Mary Chase Perry Stratton’s legacy continues today through the Pewabic Society and even the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit who's roots came from the school of art and design which she once helped establish.  


About Kathleen: Kathleen Rouser has loved making up stories since she was a little girl and wanted to be a writer before she could even read. She desires to create characters who resonate with readers and realize the need for a transforming Savior in their everyday lives. She is a long time member in good standing of ACFW and a former board member of its Great Lakes Chapter. Kathleen has been published in anthologies, including the Amazon bestseller, Christmas Treasures, as well as in both print and online magazines. Her debut full-length novel, Rumors and Promises, was recently published by Heritage Beacon Fiction in April, 2016.

A Surprise for you! Leave a comment today or tomorrow for chance to win a paperback or Kindle copy of Rumors and Promises, winner's choice. 



About Rumors and Promises:

Sophie Biddle, an heiress on the run with a child in tow, considers herself abandoned by her family and God. Wary, self-reliant Sophie is caught off guard when meeting a kind, but meddling and handsome minister at the local mercantile.

In 1900, Reverend Ian McCormick is determined to start anew in Stone Creek, Michigan, believing he has failed God and his former flock. He works harder than ever to forget his mistake, hoping to prove himself a most pleasing servant to his new congregation and once again to God.

While Sophie seeks acceptance for the child and a measure of respect for herself, the rumors swirl about her sordid past. Should Ian show concern for Sophie plight, he could risk everything - including his position as pastor of Stone Creek.

Now the pair must choose to trust God and forgive those who slander and gossip, or run. Will the scandals of their pasts bind them together forever, or drive both deeper into despair?



13 comments:

  1. Very interesting. Thanks for sharing. The book sounds very good.

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    1. Thank you, chappydebbie. I appreciate your stopping by today.

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  2. I've been wanting to read Rumors and Promises for some time now. I hope to win. Good luck everyone. princessdebbie1_2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  3. I love the pottery story, and the book sounds great! Best wishes on your debut novel, and thanks for the giveaway!
    bcrug(at)myfairpoint(dot)net

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the post, Connie. And thanks for entering.

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  4. Thank you for your interesting post and thank you for this giveaway. Keeping my fingers crossed!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. You're welcome. Glad you stopped by Heroes, Heroines, and History today!

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  5. An informative post about pewabic pottery. Thank you for sharing. I loved reading Rumors and Promises and look forward to your next book, Kathleen. God bless.

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    1. Thank you, Marilyn. Your encouragement means so much! Lord willing, the next book will be out
      next October--working title: A Good Medicine. May the Lord bless you as well!

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  6. Thank you so much for this fascinating post! Rumors and Promises sounds wonderful. Thank you for the giveaway.
    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thank you, Caryl! And I appreciate your stopping by!

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  7. Congratulations to Melanie! You're the winner of the drawing of Rumors and Promises! I will email you shortly.

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