Business Details
30 Years
experience
Preserving the Legacy of Cowan Pottery
Cowan Pottery Museum Associates (CPMA) is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to preserving and promoting the legacy of R. Guy Cowan and the Cowan Pottery Studio. Established in 1996, we work closely with the Cowan Pottery Museum at Rocky River Public Library to expand awareness of Cowan's ceramic artistry and its historical significance. Our team of over 120 collectors, dealers, and art enthusiasts actively supports educational programs, scholarship initiatives, and public events celebrating American art pottery. Through symposiums, exhibitions, and collaborative outreach, we maintain and enhance Cowan Pottery's cultural heritage.Our board includes industry experts and descendants of key figures in pottery history, ensuring authoritative stewardship of this artistic legacy. We organize annual fundraising events and publish reference materials to educate collectors and institutions about Cowan's work. With decades of collective experience in art history and ceramics, our organization serves as a vital resource for scholars, collectors, and cultural institutions nationwide.
Services
Annual Symposium
Scholarship Program
Virtual Gallery
Museum Support
Art Publications
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We have promoted Cowan Pottery heritage since 1996 with expert board members
- Our annual symposium connects global collectors and art historians
- We administer the R. Guy Cowan Scholarship for ceramic arts students
- We maintain official affiliation with Rocky River Public Library's Cowan Museum
- Our publications include the definitive reference guide to Cowan pottery
Services
Annual Symposium
Our annual spring symposium brings together art historians, collectors, and enthusiasts for expert presentations on Cowan Pottery's legacy. The day-long event includes scholarly lectures, collector showcases, and the R. Guy Cowan Scholarship presentation. Attendees gain exclusive access to new research and networking opportunities with leading experts in American ceramic art.
Scholarship Program
We award annual scholarships to Cleveland Institute of Art ceramics students based on artistic excellence. The program honors R. Guy Cowan's educational legacy by supporting emerging ceramic artists. Recipients receive financial assistance, professional recognition, and opportunities to showcase their work at our annual symposium.
Virtual Gallery
Our digital gallery showcases Cowan Pottery's diverse output through high-quality images of historic pieces. The collection features over 850 shapes and 160 glazes from the studio's 1912-1931 operation. This resource provides collectors and scholars with detailed visual documentation of Art Deco, Arts and Crafts, and other stylistic influences in American pottery.
Museum Support
We actively support the Cowan Pottery Museum's collection at Rocky River Public Library through acquisitions and exhibition development. Our efforts maintain over 1,300 pieces in the permanent collection, including the iconic Jazz Bowl. We facilitate rotating exhibits and provide educational materials for public engagement with this cultural heritage.
Art Publications
We publish authoritative resources including the definitive Cowan Pottery reference book with 1,200 photographs and glaze guides. These publications document the studio's technical innovations and artistic achievements for scholars and collectors. Our materials serve as essential references for authenticating and valuing historic Cowan pottery pieces.
People
Jenny Dieringer
Board President
Serving as Board President since 2024, Jenny Dieringer leads strategic initiatives for Cowan Pottery Museum Associates. With extensive experience in nonprofit governance since joining the board in 2019, she oversees symposium programming and scholarship administration while maintaining institutional partnerships.
Grace Cowan
Board Member
As a family member of R. Guy Cowan and board trustee since 2017, Grace Cowan provides direct historical perspective on the studio's legacy. Her unique insights help maintain authentic representation of the founder's artistic vision while connecting contemporary audiences with this important cultural heritage.
Viktor Schreckengost
Historical Figure
Renowned artist affiliated with Cowan Pottery Studio during its operational years, Viktor Schreckengost contributed significant works to the collection. His innovative designs exemplify the studio's artistic excellence and influence on American ceramic art during the early 20th century.
Questions
What is Cowan Pottery Museum Associates' primary mission?
We preserve and promote R. Guy Cowan's ceramic art legacy through educational programs, museum support, and scholarly resources.
How can I attend the annual Cowan Pottery Symposium?
Our free spring symposium at Rocky River Public Library features expert presentations and is open to all art enthusiasts.
Do you offer educational resources for pottery collectors?
Yes, we provide reference books, virtual gallery access, and expert guidance for collectors of all experience levels.
How does the R. Guy Cowan Scholarship support artists?
We award annual scholarships to Cleveland Institute of Art ceramics students based on artistic excellence and design innovation.
Where is the Cowan Pottery Museum located?
The museum collection resides at Rocky River Public Library, 1600 Hampton Road, Rocky River, Ohio 44116.
Can I purchase Cowan Pottery replicas or merchandise?
Our online store offers limited edition prints, miniature replicas, books, and branded merchandise celebrating Cowan's legacy.
