Pewabic's Educational Legacy

Education is at the heart of what we do. Our Co-Founder Mary Chase Perry Stratton founded the ceramics education programs at Wayne State University and the University of Michigan. She was given an honorary M.A. from U-M in 1930 and an honorary Ph.D. from WSU in 1933. She also played a major role in the development of the art department at the College for Creative Studies. Pewabic tile work can be found at Cranbrook, Michigan State University, The University of Michigan, and Wayne State University.  

THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN 

Mary Chase wrote in her unpublished autobiography entitled Adventures in Ceramics, “...I was tremendously gratified and pleased that the work I had done should receive recognition in this way as “Inventive in design and happy in execution”, but even more, it made me rejoice in the name of all craftsmen and creative workers.”

Mary Chase receiving her honorary M.A. from the University of Michigan in 1930

Mary Chase's dedication to handcraft was a driving force in her life. She took on students and apprentices, imparting her love for ceramics arts to them. Many Pewabic staff members today have studied at the very institutions Mary Chase aided in establishing. 

Mary Chase was the only woman to receive an honorary degree the year she accepted her M.A from the University of Michigan. It was the first degree of its kind given by the university. Mary grew up in Ann Arbor––her father and brother both studied at U-M. Read more about her influence on the American Arts and Crafts movement and development of ceramic programming at the university here.

Our University of Michigan Tile in Midnight and Honey Gloss glaze options as featured in our Winter 2023 Collection alongside our Michigan Ornament

WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY 

In 1932 was the year Mary Chase received her honorary Ph.D. from Wayne State University, then known as Wayne University. She went on to work as a lecturer and instructor of ceramics through the Education department in 1936. 

These classes took place at Pewabic Pottery. She taught over 1,000 students during her time teaching at the university. Many of her students who were actively pursuing degrees in education went on to establish ceramic art programs throughout metro Detroit.

Wayne State University students on the lawn of Pewabic Pottery in 1936

Classes at Pewabic proceeded through the late 1940s. WSU shifted their ceramics program into a full art program in 1948. A studio was added to the university campus in the early 1950s. Mary Chase assisted with the curriculum structure and equipment selection. 

Here is an excerpt from Dr. Frank Cody, Superintendent of the Detroit School System (which included WSU) in 1933 emphasizing the importance of Pewabic Pottery in education: 

“In connection with Pewabic Pottery and Mrs. Mary Chase Stratton, I will state that the school system has derived benefit and education both direct and indirect from this place. The ceramic development in Detroit has come almost entirely from this source, both from regular classes held at the Pottery and from instruction given to groups of students under the Art Teachers. In establishing ceramic departments in the public school system Mrs. Stratton is called upon almost daily for advice upon technical points.”

WSU 150th Anniversary Commemorative Tile

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Pewabic’s connection to Michigan State University dates back to the 1920s. You can find Pewabic tile in various locations throughout the East Lansing campus, including the recent MSU Agricultural Mural featured in our virtual tile portfolio. MSU played a crucial role in Pewabic’s survival following the passing of Mary Chase Perry Stratton in 1961. 

In 1967 MSU took on Pewabic as an educational satellite, indelibly saving the pottery until 1981. At the time, MSU handed over operations to the Pewabic Society (formed in 1979) which continues to operate Michigan’s only National Historic Landmark pottery to this day. Read more about this incredible connection here. 

MSU Spartan tile crafted to honor Pewabic’s ties with the university

     MSU Spartan Ornament and Tile in our Alabaster glaze

We put together a small collection of collegiate keepsakes featuring education institutions, and wanted to take a moment to share Pewabic’s strong ties with local universities. It is important to recognize that great strides have been made. The pursuit of art and education helps enrich our lives and bring us new, fresh perspectives. Cheers to all of the recent grads, and to those just starting their journey!