In the 20th-century, remarkably creative American potters evolved clay into an expressive art form, free from the confines of function or industrial production. Personalities in Clay: American Studio Ceramics from the E. John Bullard Collection showcases the collection of John Bullard, NOMA’s director emeritus, a promised gift to the New Orleans Museum of Art. This exhibition and catalogue chart the major figures in handmade, studio pottery from 1940 to the end of the 20th century.

Personalities in Clay: American Studio Ceramics from the E. John Bullard Collection is organized by the New Orleans Museum of Art. The exhibition is supported by Catherine Burns Tremaine and Drs. Howard and Joy Osofsky.

Big Ed

1994

Peter Voulkos

Stoneware

Museum purchase with funds donated by E. John Bullard in memory of Robert H. Cousins, © Voulkos Family Trust

Covered Jar from the “Sara Series”

c. 1985

Don Reitz

Stoneware

30 x 38 x 20 in.

Museum Purchase with funds donated by E. John Bullard in memory of Robert H. Cousins, 2016.57. © Reitz Family Trust

Pillow Pitcher

1983

Betty Woodman

Earthenware

13 3/4 x 26 x 16 in.

Promised Gift to the New Orleans Museum of Art from E. John Bullard. © Betty Woodman

Black Vessel #878

1998

Richard De Vore

Stoneware

14 in.

Promised Gift to the New Orleans Museum of Art from E. John Bullard. © The Estate of Richard DeVore

Envelope Vessel: Spring

1988

Akio Takamori

Porcelain

22 x 39 x 9 in.

Museum Purchase with funds donated by E. John Bullard in memory of Robert H. Cousins, 2016.58. © Akio Takamori