Decorating a crock using traditional methods

Hands on class for RWCS members

Tuesday, July 10

Sign up for an exclusive Red Wing Collectors Society members-only hands-on pottery class with local potter Richard Spiller hosted by the Anderson Center.

Each participant will be provided with a generous 1 quart crock in leather hard condition. Each person will glaze the interior with a traditional Albany slip glaze liner. The individual can personalize their crock by a Scraffito (scratching) technique thru a previously applied white slip. Additional possibilities include slip trailing from a squeeze bottle using a black slip.  The piece will then be fired in the Anderson Center’s gas kiln, to a stone ware temperature of 2350 °F, and shipped to the participant after Convention.  

Session Information:

Location:
Anderson Center – Cafeteria
163 Tower View Dr
Red Wing MN 55066

Session times, 4 RWCS members per session:
9:00am to 10:30am
11:00am to 12:30pm
1:30pm to 3:00pm
3:00pm to 4:30pm

Cost: $35.00
Cost includes: session time, piece and shipping

Register: RWCS Business Office
800-977-7927 
director@redwingcollectors.org

For more information about the session, contact Richard Spiller at spilrichard@hotmail.com. To register  contact the RWCS Business Office at 800-977-7927 or director@redwingcollectors.org

Don’t miss the First Ever

Red Wing Stoneware Scramble

Saturday May 19, 2012 10 AM – 4 PM

A Mad Dashfor factory seconds in our parking lot. This is your chance to purchase stoneware at a fraction of the retail price.  You will choose either a one-minute or a four-minute dash to fill your cart. Call Red Wing Stoneware Company for details. 651-388-4610 or find them on Facebook.

Recollections of Working at the Potteries: Hannes Kuehn

Thursday, July 12, 10:30 a.m.

Red Wing High School

Red Wing, MN

The RWCS Annual Convention, set for July 12-14, will celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Society. The organization is inviting everyone to come and hear keynote speaker Hannes Kuehn.

Kuehn will present a narrative/PowerPoint recollection of working at Red Wing Pottery from 1956 to 1957. He was a Designer/Modeler who worked closely with Modeler Ted Hutchson and Designer Charles Murphy. He believes that he may be the last living designer today who actually worked at the Pottery, generating original designs and models for Red Wing Potteries. He visited Germany last year and met many pottery modeler/designers and photographed their work. Along the way he visited several pottery museums that displayed historic designs, equipment and production methods. It is likely that the probable founder of Red Wing Pottery, Joseph Pohl, who arrived in 1861, acquired his knowledge and skill of making crocks and bowls in Germany and applied it here in his new home near what is now Red Wing, Minnesota.

Come and listen to Kuehn’s stories about working at the potteries in the 1950s and learn a little about the history of this type of work that originated in Europe and continued in this area. The presentation will include many pictures of ceramic and stoneware items and designs. It is fun and interesting to collect Red Wing Pottery pieces, but first they had to be designed and produced; and that was fun and interesting too!

Speaker Bio:

Hannes Kuehn began his Modeler/Designer career as an apprentice at Ulmer Keramik in Germany in 1954. In 1956, Hannes immigrated to the U.S. and began working at Red Wing Potteries. Following his stint at the Potteries, Hannes had other ceramic positions until he became a Dental Technician, owning his own lab from 1958 to 1988. In 1988, he became the director of the production and teaching dental laboratories at the UCLA Dental School until 1999. In addition to his pottery, ceramics and design professional experience, Hannes also served as a police officer at various points in his carrier including the Los Angeles Police Department. Hannes currently lives in Southern California with his wife, Rosi.

The Red Wing Collectors Society was founded in 1977 in Red Wing, Minn. and is devoted to educating people about all American pottery. There are more than 4,000 members worldwide. The Red Wing Potteries had diverse pottery lines that included stoneware, dinnerware and art pottery. For more information or to become a member, call the RWCS business office at 800-977-7927, e-mail membership@redwingcollectors.org or log on to www.redwingcollectors.org . You can also follow the RWCS on Twitter and find them on Facebook.

Red Wing citizens are preparing to paint a wing on the grain elevators facing the Mississippi River. Help select the perfect wing:

CLICK TO VOTE!

Be sure to click for image number ONE to get the Red Wing Pottery wing on the grain elevator.

Tatankamani, the man that the white explorers called Chief Red Wing, was a prominent military leader in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. One of his village sites became the city called Red Wing.
1. Red Wing Pottery Red Wing’s location on the Mississippi River made it an important grain town. As a result of the grain industry’s success, Red Wing was ideally located for the pottery industry to grow. Red Wing Pottery, stamped with a wing, was the largest of its kind in the United States in the early 1900s. 2. Red Wing Shoe Company Red Wing Shoe Co., today an international brand, also uses a red wing logo. Two manufacturing facilities and the Red Wing Shoe Museum remain in Red Wing. Since its beginning in 1905, Red Wing Shoe Co. has been known for making “work shoes for working people.” Local boots continue to be worn by people involved in farming, ranching, logging, mining, blacksmithing, railroading and construction. 3. Red Wing Construction During one of Red Wing Construction Co.’s renovation projects, owner Jeff Frost found the old Red Wing Flour Mill logo and trademarked it for his company. One of the oldest red wing logos in existence, this one dates back to the 1800s. Source: Red Wing REpublican Eagle 2 May 2012

Eva’s Memorial Weekend

Saturday, June 2nd 2012
First Unitarian Church
Brooklyn Heights, NY

12 Noon

Saturday, June 2, the Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 noon at the First Unitarian Church in Brooklyn Heights, followed by a coffee reception in the church to which all are invited.  For directions to the church go to Eva Memorial Service.pdf    Eva’s grandchildren will be greeting guests at the doors of the church, and as you sign the guest book, ask in what part of the church members of the Eva Zeisel forum are seating themselves, so that we may greet each other.  
On Saturday evening there will be a no-host dinner at 8:30 at a small local restaurant called Savann.  It features Turkish cuisine, and is located on Amsterdam Avenue between 79^th and 80^th on the west side of the street.  Meals are about $25, including a glass of wine and tip. Some of Eva’s family members will be there, and it will be a good time to continue the day’s conversations and socializing.  Reservations must be made, so be sure to check your rsvp on the listing below.

On Sunday, the 3^rd there will be a casual and optional drop-in with light refreshments at the apartment where Eva lived for many years, at 600 West 115^th Street, Apt. 72, from noon until late afternoon.   This will be a relaxed time to see where Eva lived, and for further schmoozing, but be aware that the apartment has been cleared out for future subletting, and that none of Eva’s designs will be on display.  There will be people in place to admit you to the building and the apartment.  To get to Eva’s home take the #1 subway to the 116^th Street station.  Stay at the back of the subway and get out at the 115^th Street exit.  Also, the Broadway bus #104 goes to 115^th St.  The phone number of the apartment is 212-864-0341.

On Monday, the 4^th Pirco Wolfframm will conduct docent tours of Eva’s country home, beginning at 1:00, to which members of the Eva Zeisel forum are invited.    Jeannie warns that the house is in a state of extreme disorder, as Eva’s possessions are still in boxes stacked here and there, and the living room has been given over to photography for the book.   However, Eva’s designs are still on display in the studio area of the house, and Pirco will be able to take us to the workroom and storage areas, where many of Eva’s prototypes are still being uncovered.  Because of the overcrowding, tours will be for four people at a time, and preference will be given to out-of-town guests.  If there are too many reservations for the tours, those living in the NY area can make arrangements to see the house at another time.  Cameras welcome, of course.  The tours will start rather promptly at 1:00, and will last about half an hour for each group.  Jeannie will have coffee and light refreshments available for those waiting for their tour.  To reach the country house by car, go up the Westside Highway, cross the George Washington Bridge, bear right on to Palisades Parkway North, then go to exit 12.  From there, take an immediate left and then an immediate right.  You will be on Route 45.  In half a minute you will see The Orchards.  Turn right onto South Mountain Road and go two miles to No. 455.  The driveway is on the left.  There really is no practical public transportation to the house, so carpooling is suggested.  If you will be driving and are willing to take passengers, or if you will need transportation,  please let me know at the email address below, and I’ll send along a list of drivers and passengers so that you can contact each other to make arrangements.

BECAUSE OF THE NEED FOR PLANNING, IT WILL BE IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO RSVP FOR EACH OF THE EVENTS THAT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND.  PLEASE EMAIL JEANNIE AT jeanrichards1@me.com SO THAT SHE WILL HAVE A HEAD COUNT FOR EACH EVENT – EVEN THE MEMORIAL SERVICE ON SATURDAY.   Let her know if you will be at:
*the Memorial Service
*the no-host restaurant dinner on Saturday night
*the drop-in at Eva’s apartment on Sunday afternoon
*the country-house tour on Monday at 1:00

Our best regards,

Pat and Gene

©Eva Zeisel forum

 Red Wing Stoneware Theft Reported from a Amboy, MN Antique Shop

Amboy, MN – On April 16^th a theft occurred at the Villager Antiques in Amboy Minnesota. At least 20 pieces of Red Wing pottery were stolen from the antique store.

Among the stolen pieces were several water coolers, quite a few jugs, including the older brown ones, and some chicken waterers, many very old items as well as some of the Red Wing collectors pieces from past conventions. The most recognizable piece is a very distinct early 4 gallon salt glaze crock with a cobalt blue bird decoration (seen at right). This crook is not marked Red Wing but is an early piece. Nothing else appears to have been taken from the shop. Photos of other pieces stolen are below.

Anyone with information regarding this theft is asked to contact Mankato Police Department of Justice in Mankato, MN at (507) 304-4814 Case number #12-0372.

Local Potter Richard Spiller to Demonstrate at Red Wing Collectors Society Convention July 12-14

Red Wing, MN – The Red Wing Collectors Society is pleased to announce that Richard Spiller has accepted an invitation to demonstrate his pottery craft at the 2012 RWCS Convention.

It has been the long-standing tradition of the RWCS Convention to invite a potter or pottery company to demonstrate their craft during the Annual Convention in Red Wing, MN.  Ephraim Pottery, of Lake Mills, Wis. has actively participated in the event for the past five years, but had a schedule conflict for the 2012 Convention.

RWCS Executive Director Stacy Wegner heard about Spiller’s Gas Kiln Firing class being held at the Anderson Center at Tower View in Red Wing. Wegner contacted the Anderson Center inviting Spiller or another potter in residence to attend the Convention, and Spiller accepted.

“We appreciate the commitment of Ephraim Pottery sharing their knowledge and craft with our members and we look forward to having Spiller at the 2012 Convention,” Wegner said.

A resident of rural Wisconsin, Spiller was educated at Western Michigan University and the University of Wisconsin – Madison. An Emeritus Professor of Art at Eastern Carolina University, Spiller has been a practicing potter and ceramic artist for nearly 50 years. His expertise included kiln building with firing experience from corn cob raku to Tozan Noboigama and firing to cone 10 reduction.

The Red Wing Collectors Society Convention is slated for July 12-14, 2012 at Red Wing High School in Red Wing. The RWCS expects to have more than 1,000 of its members attend the event, which will celebrate the club’s 35^th anniversary.

2012 Convention Schedule

2012 Convention Page

Convention – About the Event

RED WING – In November 2011 the Red Wing Collectors Society’s storage unit was found burglarized and more than 100 pieces of Red Wing blank dinnerware were taken. Thanks to the perseverance of RWCS Executive Director, Stacy Wegner, and help from the Red Wing Police Department, more than 100 pieces were return to the RWCS in December 2011.

The blank plates are used for the annual “Paint your Plate” event in which more than 100 kids get the opportunity to paint on a real Red Wing plate at the RWCS Annual Convention in Red Wing, MN. The KidsView program was started in 1999, offering free education and activities sharing Red Wing, MN pottery history.

Long time RWCS and Elk’s member Steve Vagasky (left) coordinated donation of over 200 pieces of Red Wing Pottery restaurant from the Red Wing Elk’s Club to the RWCS. The donation was given by Exulted Leader Stephanie Riegelman (right) to RWCS executive director Stacy Wegner (center).

When long-time Red Wing Elks member and RWCS member Steve Vagasky heard of the burglary, he remembered seeing some old pottery dinnerware in storage at the Elks that was no longer being used and thought the Society’s kids program would be the perfect home for these items. Vagasky contacted both organizations and arranged the donation.

“I was so excited to notify Sue Jones Tagliapietra and her co-chair Aarika Floyd about the donation.” Wegner said. 

“This generous donation by the Red Wing Elks Club will guarantee that we will be able to continue the KidsView ‘Paint Your Plate’ Program for years to come,” said Tagliapietra.

Like other Elks Lodges across the country, the Red Wing Elks Lodge’s mission is to support the needs of children and veterans. In addition to assisting with projects like this, the Red Wing Elks Lodge helps improve the lives of youth in our area through programs like their scholarships, dictionary project for 3rd graders, hoop shoot, soccer shoot, drug awareness literature, children’s holiday parties, Christmas family project, Christmas food baskets, sending 17 deserving kids to for a week-long camp each summer and much, much more.

The RWCS Convention will be held in Red Wing, MN this summer from July 12-14 and will celebrate the club’s 35^th Anniversary. For more information or to become a member, call the RWCS business office at 800-977-7927, e-mail membership@redwingcollectors.org or log on to www.redwingcollectors.org. You can also find the RWCS on Facebook or follow the club on Twitter @RWPottery.

Election info

There are three positions up for election on the RWCS Board of Directors in 2012. After serving as Auction Manager for four years, Todd Avery has decided not to run for re-election. We thank him for his service – he has been a pleasure to work with. RWCS Member Bruce Selfridge is looking to take over the role and is running unopposed. Incumbents Glenn Beall and Bob Morawski are seeking another term for the respective positions of Education Manager and Commemorative Manager. They are also running unopposed. Balloting will be by mail in accordance with RWCS by-law Article V, Nominating Committee and Voting Procedure. Ballots will be mailed with the April RWCS Newsletter to all primary members in good standing and must be received by the RWCS Business Office no later than June 30, 2012. Associate members must request a ballot by contacting the RWCS Business Office.

Bruce Selfridge

Candidate, RWCS Auction Manager

Hello, my name is Bruce Selfridge and I am seeking the position of RWCS Auction Manager. My wife, Carmen, and I have been members of the RWCS Golden State Chapter of the since 1990; I am currently the chapter vice president. I have volunteered since 2010 at the RWCS Auction and I have made several educational presentations at our July Conventions. My wife has been very active with the Red Wing Collectors Society Foundation and is currently on the Foundation Board.

I am very excited about the opportunity to serve as Auction Manager. Todd Avery has done a great job during very challenging times. The RWCS Auction is in competition with several other auctions in Red Wing during Convention Week, as well as internet sales such as eBay. It is going to be a challenge to get our auction to be the place to get that “special” item for your collection. The RWCS Auction should continue to be a major part of our Convention.

I am a retired Fire Captain of the Town of Ross Fire Department in California, where I worked for 37 years. I have been involved in several non-profit groups. I am currently active in two organizations. I am a staff member of Kinetic Steam Works, a non-profit group of steam power enthusiasts. I’m also a member of the local chapter of the Early Days Gas Engine and Tractor Association as a past director and newsletter eitor for several years.

With your help and ideas, I am looking forward to being your Auction Manager and working with the RWCS Board of Directors.

Glenn Beall

Incumbent, RWCS Education Manager

I started collecting Red Wing one cold day at an auction more than 20 years ago. The last item on the auction was a 25 gallon wing crock. Since my wife, Julie, thought the piece was “neat” I started coming home with more and more crocks. The stoneware collecting eventually led into art pottery thanks to another auction find, and that ended up leading into dinnerware. So now we collect everything. I joined the Red Wing Collectors Society in 1989. My four daughters are usually at Convention, too. The oldest, Laura, is active at Convention with the Display Room and KidsView, as well as the Siouxland Redwingers Chapter. The youngest, Elizabeth, is a member of the Trails West chapter. Amy and Catherine are usually helping out somewhere around Convention wherever they’re needed.

In 1997, I joined the Nebraska Redwingers as a charter member. When a move to South Dakota became necessary, I missed the chapter feeling. A few months later, a few other collectors and I started the Siouxland Redwingers, which was chartered at the July 2000 RWCS Convention. I’m still president of that chapter.

In 2003, my family and I took on the Display Room at Convention and have been doing that ever since. If you’ve gone to a MidWinter GetTogether or a Convention, you’ve probably seen me running around there at some point. I have enjoyed working to bring you new sessions and would enjoy one more term as Education Manager. With your input and help, we can continue the fine sessions we have enjoyed so far.

Bob Morawski

Incumbent, RWCS Commemorative Manager

My passion for Red Wing started in 1998, when I bought my first piece of stoneware. I joined the RWCS later that year and have attended all of the Conventions since 1999 and most of the MidWinter GetTogethers.

I like to collect stoneware with Milwaukee advertising. I also have many “oddity” pieces that are either missing ovals or wings, have extra wings or ovals, or have upside down stamps. When my grandma moved out of her house, I noticed she had six pieces of Pepe dinnerware. Since then I have built the set up to more than 100 pieces. I also have a large collection of Red Wing signed sewer pipe and I’m working on putting together a complete set of Special Commemoratives. (I am especially looking for a 1982 Special Commemorative.) I also enjoy digging in the Red Wing dump.

I am working with a strong core group of people and we have formed the new Badger Chapter, Wisconsin’s second chapter. We welcome new members. I have also chaired and now sit on the RWCS Membership Committee.

I have worked with the Commemoratives for the past six years; I’ve been the manager for the past four. I introduced the three version “A, B and C” concept to help reenergize the Commemorative and get people excited about them again; this has worked well. I will continue to push the envelope not only with the Commemoratives, but in all areas concerning the RWCS to help keep the club and membership healthy for future generations to enjoy our passion. Thanks for your support in the past and future!

“Learn the Art of Gas Kiln Firing”

Anderson Center Weekend Retreat with Richard Spiller

April 7, 8 & 14, 2012

Saturday, April 7
10 a.m. – Orientation, glaze, load and start firing
6 p.m. – Potluck dinner, lecture and discussion

Sunday, April 8
5 a.m. – Continue firing to 2,350°F

Saturday, April 14
10 a.m. – Unbrick and unload kiln

Overnight guests: $135-$180
Day students: $100

Richard Spiller has been a practicing potter and ceramic artist for nearly 50 years. His expertise includes kiln building with firing experience from corn cob raku to a Tozan Noborigama and firing to cone 10 reduction. 

For more information and registration, please contact the Anderson Center: 651-388-2009 or info@andersoncenter.org or more information on their website.