Visual Traveler: Exploring Detroit's Renowned Pewabic Pottery Studio

If you haven't already guessed this, three dimensional artistry especially appeals to me. So when I visited Detroit-based Pewabic Pottery Studio during an MTJA writers' conference, it was a real treat! This Michigan company has produced richly colored tiles and architectural 'ornaments' with iridescent rose, green, gold, deep blue and copper-colored glazes since 1903. Pewabic is a Chippewa Indian term that means "clay with a copper color."
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Pewabic pieces decorate many private residences as well as schools, libraries, and church to museum mosaics. Ceramic artist, Mary Chase Perry, founded the company at the suggestion of her architect friend, William Buck Stratton, who later became her husband.

After crafting tiles for private homes, Pewabic produced specially designed floors and decorations for churches in Detroit, Pittsburgh, Evanston, St. Paul and Philadelphia. The company also crafted decorative ceramic medallions for the crypt - as well as tile for the vaulted ceiling - at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. And, since taking over this company in 1981, the not-for-profit Pewabic Society has continued to promote and create ceramic design and education.

I could have easily spent several hours perusing all of Pewabic's beautiful pieces. Alas, group travel sometimes moves much faster. Guess I'll have to plan a return trip!

Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note some of these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this business during my visit, specific details may have changed.