The 29th Annual Symposium was held on Saturday May 4th. After the traditional “Show and Share” session, which produced its usual crop of interesting and unusual pieces for discussion, attendees were entertained and informed by a series of outstanding presentations. Museum Curator Greg Hatch focused on the post-Cowan work of some significant Cowan Studio artists. Jenny Dieringer, President of Rocky River Historical Society, gave us a fascinating view of the City as it existed and grew in the 1920’s period when Cowan Pottery operated . Ceramics Artist Lauren Herzak-Bauman explained in detail the slip casting process which was employed by Cowan Pottery for most production. This included a hands-on demonstration from mold making to cast pieces. We were pleased to welcome and recognize, from Cleveland Institute of Art, Benjamin Gutberlet, who is the recipient of this year’s scholarship which is funded each year by CPMA in honor of R. Guy Cowan. Ben discussed the concept of his art and showed examples which were then rapidly purchased by Symposium attendees. Another successful Symposium. Congratulations are due to Greg Hatch for organizing and executing his first one.
Cowan Pottery Museum Curator Greg Hatch chaired the Symposium and also presented a review of the activity and work of some Cowan Artists after Cowan Pottery.
Joseph Davis discusses with Greg an unusual piece he brought along for “Show and Share”
Jenny Dieringer showed Symposium attendees what Rocky River was like during the Cowan Pottery period
Scholarship awardee Benjamin Gutberlet was introduced by Seth Nagelberg, CIA Ceramics Department Chair.
Lauren Herzak-Baumann is shown here pouring ceramic slip into a mold during a hands-on demonstration of how Cowan Pottery produced much of its output.
These fortunate Symposium attendees were able acquire spectacular examples of the work which Ben Gutberlet brought along to the Symposium.
