California Pottery: A Taste of Color
May 13 thru July 17, 2005

Debuting Friday, May 13, 2005 at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art in Solvang is “California Pottery: A Taste of Color.” The exhibit features colorful examples of production pottery from the heyday of California ceramic design (1920-1960).

The public is invited to the opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday evening. Refreshments will be served and there is no charge for admission.

From the 1920s through the 1950s, California's ceramic artisans produced an amazing array of creative designs that enjoyed remarkable commercial success. Although the most dramatic innovation typically associated with this period is the introduction of brightly colored dinnerware that could be mixed and matched, the creativity of the period extended to many other areas. The "color" of the exhibit is found not only in the bright glazes, but also in the dramatic design, sense of style, and subject matter of the pieces.

On display is tableware and artware by the "Big Five," Southern California's best-known ceramics producers: Bauer, Pacific, Gladding-McBean, Vernon and Metlox. Also featured are numerous smaller producers such as Batchelder, Catalina Island, Brayton Laguna, La Mirada, Meyers, and Winfield. Artist / designers Sascha Brastoff, Kay Finch, Howard Pierce and others are represented. The exhibit, curated by Valley designer Lansing Duncan, represents a variety of historic styles such as "Arts and Crafts," "Art Deco," and "Moderne."

Click to view the original Postcard Invitaiton