Welcome to Pottery Conversations hosted by JustArtPottery.com Owner, Greg Myroth, where we delve into the world of vintage and collectible art pottery! From renowned experts and authors to passionate collectors and seasoned dealers, we'll bring you insightful conversations that celebrate the beauty and craftsmanship of American art pottery and European ceramics. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey into the world of art pottery, there's something for everyone on Pottery Conversations. Subscribe and stay tuned for uploads and highlights from each episode.
University of North Dakota (UND) Pottery - Pottery Conversations - Episode 1
Welcome to the first episode of Pottery Conversations! In this episode, we talk with University of North Dakota Pottery (UND) expert Tony Olsen about the history and growing appreciation for pottery produced at UND.
Tony shares how he became an expert collector of UND pottery, starting by buying pieces at flea markets and garage sales as a North Dakota native familiar with the university's collection. They discuss finding a trove of UND pottery belonging to a former student of renowned professor Julia Mattson, who shared stories about the mid-century pottery program.
The episode also highlights the artistry of UND potters like Darlene Dumble and Mark Miller, whose work was initially undervalued but has gained national recognition thanks to local advocates. We talk about how to distinguish exceptional student works from studio pieces, with examples like Chanel's hand-carved pottery demonstrating the high level of artistry from UND's ceramics programs.
Finally, we talk about the rise in value and popularity of UND pottery, including a famous Native American vase that sold for $16,000 in the 1990s after being estimated at only $600-800, influential figures like Bertha Cabel, who utilized North Dakota clays starting in 1910, and Margaret Cable's pioneering work establishing UND's pottery program during challenging times.
Check out Tony's interview for more!
0:00 - Start
01:06 - Tony Olsen's Background
10:00 - What Has Caused The Interest And Appreciation Of UND?
20:57 - When And For How Long Was UND Pottery Produced?
23:30 - Who Were The Popular UND Instructors?
28:22 - Recommendations for New UND Pottery Collectors
32:36 - Outro
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More Information and Links:
North Dakota School of Mines History, Marks, Artists
University of North Dakota UND Pottery Collection
Collector's Encyclopedia of the Dakota Potteries: Identification & Values
University of North Dakota Pottery: A History and Comparative Study
University of North Dakota Pottery Cable Year
Kovels' American Art Pottery: The Collector's Guide to Makers, Marks, and Factory Histories
https://justartpottery.com/collections/university-of-north-dakota-pottery
Summary of Episode 1:
Greg Myroth, the host of "Pottery Conversations," introduces his guest Tony Olson, an expert on pottery from the University of North Dakota (UND) School of Mines. Tony shares how his interest in UND pottery started when he began collecting antiques, including Roseville pottery, to supplement his income from teaching summer school. As a North Dakota native, Tony was familiar with UND's extensive pottery collection and started seeking out UND pieces at flea markets and garage sales, eventually becoming a recognized expert in the field.
One day, Marilyn and Tony went to a garage sale and found a trove of UND pottery, all priced very low. They bought everything they could. The seller, Maridel Reed, turned out to be a former student of renowned UND professor Julia Mattson in the 1950s.
Maridel invited them over for dinner and shared stories about Mattson and her own colorful, mid-century modern pottery. There, Tony ended up buying a special piece with musical notes on it for $300 - a great find! This sparked the speaker's interest in collecting UND pottery, which was not well-documented at the time but has since gained national recognition.
The discussion highlights the growing recognition and appreciation for North Dakota pottery, particularly the work of artists like Darlene Dumble and Mark Miller. It’s important to note that while the major auction houses were initially unsure of the value of these pieces, it was the local community that helped promote and elevate the reputation of North Dakota pottery.
The conversation also touches on the challenges in distinguishing high-quality student works from more exceptional studio pieces, using the example of Chanel's exceptional hand-carved and molded pottery as an illustration of the artistry that can emerge from the state's ceramics programs. The podcast discussion centers around the rise in popularity and value of pottery produced by the University of North Dakota (UND) in the 1990s.
