Detroit is known for its artistic flavor. Art serves to engage and promote expression of ideas and feeling.  At the beginning of November, Challenge Detroit had the opportunity to explore Pewabic Pottery as part of cultural programming – the Play pillar. As a non-profit ceramic design studio, education center and national historic landmark, the Pewabic space welcomes over 40,000 local and international visitors annually.

Through our tour, we explored historic pottery galleries. These Pewabic installations can be found in countless churches, schools and commercial buildings in Detroit and Michigan.  Today, artists from all over the world pitch their work to be sold at Pewabic.

After our tour, Fellows were able to handcraft ceramic tiles in a classroom setting. While our artistic backgrounds varied, it was clear that each tile was unique to the Fellow creating it. Some carved their college logo, while others shaped wildlife. I decided to draw out a symbol that is especially awesome: the Old English D. It is probably my favorite symbol and is easily associated with the pride and passion for Detroit.

It was a great experience to tour and create our own art at Pewabic’s National Historic Landmark. We are grateful to have such an amazing cultural institution located right here in Detroit. Have you visited Pewabic Pottery yet? I encourage you to check it out, for a contemporary ceramic art experience like never before.

Pewabic Pottery Website, Facebook, Twitter.