Visual Traveler: Exploring Detroit's Renowned Pewabic Pottery Studio

                                      Above photo is by Lisa Waterman Gray. ©
What's in This Post
1) Pewabic's National Reputation
2) Touring Pewabic Pottery Studio Slideshow
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As much as I love three dimensional artistry, visiting Detroit-based Pewabic Pottery Studio 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's National Reputation

Pewabic pieces decorate many private residences as well as schools, libraries, and church to museum mosaics. Ceramics 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!

                                  All above photos are by Lisa Waterman Gray. ©
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.