Noteworthy News From The Pewabic and Stickley Museums

For over 104 years, the iconic 49-foot tall chimney in the heart of the Pewabic Pottery in Detroit has stood the test of time, but now it needs our help.

According to experts who have recently inspected both the outside and inside of the chimney to document its condition, the outside shell of the chimney is in immediate need of repair. On the outside, where the damage is the most evident, the concrete is separating from the wall on each side of the chimney. Further up, the large and colorful tiles at the top have actually begun to fall off, along with pieces of concrete. Those pieces of concrete have already damaged the roof, which also needs repairs.

The total cost of restoration for the Save Our Chimney Drive is $125,000. They need both big and small donations to pay for this most necessary repair. No donation is too small. Click here to DONATE NOW or download our Pledge Form to make a donation. As Pewabic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all donations are tax-deductible.

The pottery was founded in 1903 by the artist and teacher Mary Chase Perry Stratton and Horace James Caulkins, her partner Caulkins was considered a high-heat and kiln specialist, and developed the "Revelation kiln". Mary Perry Stratton was "the artistic and marketing force." The pottery was built in 1907 and in 1991 was designated as a National Historic Landmark. As Michigan's only historic pottery, the center continues to operate as a non-profit educational institution. They offer classes in ceramics, hold exhibitions, sell pottery made in house and offer design and fabrication services.

Stickley Company Announces New Museum Director

The Stickley Museum in Fayetteville, NY, owned and operated by The Stickley Company, has announced that Sarah Lanigan has become their new executive director. Sarah follows in the footsteps of Greg Vadney, the founding director of the museum, who has departed to become Executive Director of the Rahr-West Art Museum in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Sarah returns to The Stickley Museum, having worked as Collections Assistant while achieving Master of Arts degrees in Museum Studies and Art History at Syracuse University.

The Stickley Museum is located in the original L. & J.G. Stickley furniture factory, which was vacated in 1985 when the company moved its furniture operation to a new manufacturing center in nearby Manlius. As their website recounts:

"During the move we discovered a treasure trove of historic Stickley materials tucked in old closets and under floorboards. Our oldest and dearest friends donated some early furniture to complement our pieces, and throughout the 1990s the collection grew.

"In 2003 we sold the old factory to the Fayetteville Free Library. Since that time, they have built the library into a wonderfully vibrant asset to the Fayetteville community. We knew the time had come - adding our museum to the site would create a unique and valuable cultural center.

"We began working with the State University of New York’s Cooperstown Graduate Program for Museum Studies in 2005. The school’s professional skills, joined with the knowledge and know-how of Stickley staff, has resulted in an internationally significant museum project. Students were able to gain valuable experience in museum building and decorative arts curating. Stickley had access to the resources of the nation’s premier program for the training of museum professionals."

The museum is located at 300 Orchard Street in Fayetteville. To learn more about it, please go http://www.stickleymuseum.com.