Pewabic Pottery in Detroit is one of the oldest operating potteries in the country. Founded in 1903 by Mary Chase Perry Stratton, an artist and educator, and Horace J. Caulkins, a dental supplier and kiln manufacturer, who were also the founding members of the Society of Arts and Crafts movement in Detroit during a time that was a golden age for handcrafted pottery and the beginning of industrialization with the birth of the automotive industry.

The word “pewabic” is derived from an Ojibwa term meaning iron or metal, and specifically refers to the "Pewabic" Upper Peninsula copper mine co-founder Mary Chase was around as a child with her father.

Still to this day, the team of young enthusiastic artisans create the pottery using the same methods that Mary Chase had created some 119 years ago. These creations of Pewabic Pottery and tiles can be seen in homes and companies worldwide.

Some notable locations where the Pewabic artistry can be seen include the Guardian Building, homes in the Indian village, Comerica Park, Detroit Metro Airport, National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and the Nebraska state capitol.

Many of our historical churches in Detroit feature Pewabic tile works integrated in their design. One of those churches, Fort Street Presbyterian is where Mary Chase was part of the early congregations, thus it seemed only fitting that we should explore the origins of this truly special artistry right here in Detroit.

The director, Steve McBride, and his team with Lexie, Brett, and Kevin allowed us to film the creation of the tiles of a nativity scene that will be offered to the public this holiday season at their location on Jefferson.

We highly suggest if you have never visited their historical location, it should be on your to do list this fall season. Pewabic showcases their work in exhibitions, they offer classes in ceramics, sell pottery made in house, and offer design and fabrication services for public and private buildings. To learn more about this National Historic Landmark studio, visit the Pewabic Pottery website here: https://www.pewabic.org

We are thrilled we can include Pewabic Pottery in our film.