Historic Pewabic Pottery will celebrate 110 years of service to the metro Detroit community with a birthday celebration Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its National Historic Landmark building, 10125 E. Jefferson Ave. in Detroit.

The free event is open to the public. Guests will enjoy giveaways, birthday cake, refreshments and demonstrations from talented ceramic artists. Guided tours of Pewabic’s museum and fabrication studio will also be given at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.


“At Pewabic Pottery, we are humbled to be part of Detroit’s history for the past 110 years,” said Barbara Sido, executive director of Pewabic Pottery. “It’s an honor to work in such a vibrant city and we’d like to say ‘thank you’ to the metro Detroiters that continue to visit our museum, tour our pottery, join our classes and help continue the tradition.”

Founded in 1903, Pewabic Pottery quickly established itself as a fixture in Detroit’s arts & crafts scene and through the years has evolved into a respected, cultural and educational institution.

Pewabic Pottery, the milestones:

Founded in 1903 by Mary Chase Perry Stratton and Horace Caulkins and produces first commission for Burley and Company in Chicago.

  • In 1907 moved to its current East Jefferson location, designed by architect William Buck Stratton. In 1909 introduced signature iridescent glazes.
  • In 1928, Pewabic’s Saarinen house fireplace is featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. 
  • In 1937 featured in an exhibition of ceramic art at the Whitney Museum of Art in New York City. 
  • In 1947, founder Mary Stratton is awarded the coveted Charles Fergus Binns medal, the nation’s highest award in the field of ceramics. Pewabic wins this prestigious award again 1993. 
  • In 1961, Mary Stratton passed away and Pewabic is run by her assistant, Ella Peters. From 1966 to 1979 Michigan State University owned and operated the pottery as part of its continuing education program. In 1971, Pewabic Pottery is named to the National Register of Historic Places. 
  • In 1979 the Pewabic Society was established to handle the pottery’s day-to-day operations.
  • In 1980 granted nonprofit status. In 1981 ownership was transferred to the Pewabic Society. 
  • In 1991 the pottery and its contents were recognized as a National Historic Landmark. 
  • In 1999 created murals for Comerica Park, the new home of the Detroit Tigers. 
  • In 2011, Pewabic’s iconic chimney is restored. In 2012 launched Copper & Clay: Pewabic’s New Leadership Initiative, a committee of engaged, young professionals providing skills and experience in support of the nonprofit’s mission.

Pewabic’s handcrafted installations and collections can be found in churches, schools and buildings throughout Detroit, including the Guardian Building, Comerica Park, Detroit People Mover Stations, the Detroit Institute of Art, and the Scott Fountain on Belle Isle. Pewabic ceramics can also be found nationally at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Rice University in Houson, Texas, the Nebraska State Capitol Building in Lincoln, Neb. and at the Freer Gallery at the Smithsonian Institution and Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C

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