Stoneware Of The Northeast, On View At Gunn Museum

WASHINGTON — The current exhibition at The Gunn Museum is “Art from the Earth: Early American Stoneware.”

On view until October 14, the special presentation features over 100 pieces of uniquely decorated stoneware, made in the Northeast between 1780 and 1880, assembled by Edwin and Thayer Hochberg, in addition to pieces from David Behnke and Paul Doherty, and Edward & Judith Kelz.

Stoneware, known for its durability, was considered the perfect material for making sturdy household necessities such as jugs, crocks, jars, pots, pans and became a staple of American life during the 19th Century. The elaborate and unusual cobalt blue designs on stoneware are the reason these once utilitarian goods are now cherished as folk art. The clay also lent itself to the production of more decorative items such as dolls, vases, ink bottles and figurines which are included in this display.

Led by artistic director Chris Zaima and designer Sandy Booth, “Art From The Earth” features also wall murals by local artists Keith Templeton and John Pitts, the former scenic artist at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Large and elaborate examples of stoneware will be creatively displayed on beautiful antique tables, cupboards and armoires from Monique Shay Antiques of Woodbury.

Many of the items in this exhibit are for sale including the furniture from Monique Shay and all of the Hochberg stoneware, with a percentage of every sale to be donated to the museum.

In addition, there will be a lecture series held monthly in the Wykeham Room of Gunn Library:

*Saturday, May 5, at 1 pm: “The Birds of Bennington” with Steven Leder of Yale University;

*Sunday, June 10, at 1 pm: “Hidden Treasurers,” with Leslie Keno of Antiques Road Show and Sotheby’s;

*Saturday, August 4, at 10 am: “Potter’s Studio Tour and Demonstration,” at Guy Wolff’s Workshop in Bantam (call for details including directions);

*Sunday, September 23, at 1 pm: “Archaeological Evidence of Early Stoneware in Manhattan” with Meta Janowitz of the African Burial Ground Project in New York City; and

*Saturday, October 13, time TBD: “Stoneware Lecture and Appraisal Event,” with the Zipp family of Crocker Farm in Maryland.

All programs are free and open to the public. Registration is recommended.

Visit www.GunnLibrary.org or call 860-868-7756 for more details about or to register for any of the programs.

The Gunn Museum is at 5 Wykeham Road, at the intersection of Wykeham Road and Route 47, on Washington Green. The museum is open Thursday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm; and Sunday, noon to 4 pm.