American Art Pottery Convention a Rousing Success

The American Art Pottery Association celebrated its 30th annual convention by traveling to Cleveland, Ohio on April 21-25, attracting pottery enthusiasts from throughout the Midwest ad Eastern United States and from as far away as California.

In addition to seminars and tours, two highlights of the convention were the Friday night art pottery auction and the two-day art pottery show and sale. Both events featured American and European art pottery from the late 19th through mid-20th centuries, along with contemporary art pottery.

At the 400-lot auction, the highlight of the evening among Arts & Crafts offerings was a Fulper mushroom lamp (pictured) in a bold design with rich Flemington Green glaze. Even with a condition issue, the lamp rose to a final bid of $7,200, prior to the buyer’s premium. Complete auction results are available at www.belhornauctions.com.

The premier art pottery show in the country featured 45 dealers from around the nation, with pots available in a variety of price ranges. More than 550 people attended – and bought – at the two-day event. Many dealers featured pottery such as Grueby, Marblehead, Newcomb, Rookwood, Roseville, SEG, and Teco, as well as European Arts and Crafts pottery and pots by seldom seen makers. There was also a wide selection of matte green pots. Upon entering the show, person after person exclaimed about the stunning selection of pottery.

Exhibitor Arnie Small commented that “Arts and Crafts pottery sold very well at the show, with Grueby, Walrath, Newcomb and Saturday Evening Girls being some of the notable potteries that sold well. Rookwood, Roseville and Weller also did very well, especially the artist-decorated pieces.”

As a part of the show, the Cowan Pottery Museum Associates created an exceptional exhibit of Arts & Crafts pottery made by R. Guy Cowan’s company, which was located in the Cleveland suburbs of Lakewood and Rocky River.

The 2011 American Art Pottery Association will be held April 28-May 1 at a city yet to be announced.

Details of this and other AAPA events will be available at www.AAPA.info.