In the previous Armory Antique Show, I met Arnie, who is the President of American Art Pottery Association. From a brief 10 minutes’ talk, I realized that there are too many things to learn about potteries: One thing for sure is to identify the forgery! At that time I was looking at an example of a Rookwood vellum scenic pottery by one of the most famous artists – Kataro Shirayamadani. It was “a second”, which means that the vase has some flaw. (Well, at least it is less likely to be a forgery.) But it is a very beautiful one and I was told that the artist holds the most expensive American pottery auction record. 

Here is the opportunity of learning in depth about American potteries from Live Auctioneers News.

The American Art Pottery Association’s 29th annual convention will return to The City of Brotherly Love on April 22-26, 2009. The event’s success last year prompted a repeat visit to Philadelphia, and 2009 will feature entirely new tours, seminars, and educational exhibits, many of which highlight the Arts and Crafts movement and its pottery. The convention will again be headquartered at the Sheraton Bucks County Hotel in Langhorne, Pa., located near I-95 and Route 1.

The keynote presentation at the annual reception and banquet on the evening of April 22 will be given by Dr. Martin Eidelberg, Professor Emeritus of Art History at Rutgers University and noted author on American ceramics and glass. His topic will be “Arts and Crafts Pottery: What’s In A Name?”

The three seminars feature an impressive roster of speakers.

Suzanne Perrault, tile expert, author, Craftsman Auctions partner, and Antiques Roadshow appraiser, will discuss the tile creations of William Grueby.

Prominent contemporary potters Paul Katrich (Katrich Studios), Scott Draves (Door Pottery), Eric Olsen (Common Ground Pottery), and Chris Powell (Chris Powell Pottery) will share insights about their work and the future of art pottery.

Jonathan Clancy, Ph.D., lecturer in American Fine & Decorative Art at Sotheby’s Institute of Art and co-author with Dr. Eidelberg of Beauty in Common Things, American Arts and Crafts Pottery from the Two Red Roses Foundation will give an overview of the Foundation’s collection, its significant pieces, and research discoveries.