A Peculiar Vision: The Work of George Ohr

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A Peculiar Vision: The Work of George Ohr, the Mad Potter of Biloxi was on exhibit at the Erie Art Museum, Erie, Pennsylvania, from June 29 through November 3, 1996. This exhibition featured the artistically unique, technically unequalled work of the eccentric genius from Mississippi. The pottery was drawn from private and public collections. Collectors Ralph and Terry Kovel were the guests of honor at the Opening Gala.

This exhibition presented a diverse collection of the work of a most unusual and talented artist, active at the last turn of the century. Arguably the greatest American ceramic artist of the art pottery period, Ohr alienated his contemporaries with unceasing and often tasteless self-promotions which obscured rather than revealed his genius. When he gave up ceramics completely in 1908 he stored the body of work he had created over nearly three decades, with the hope that the Smithsonian would ultimately recognize his talent and acquire the whole collection. Instead, it collected dust until it was discovered by an antique dealer in 1969, leading to his eventual rediscovery by scholars and collectors of ceramic art.

The Erie Art Museum exhibition was broadly representative of Ohr's work, with examples of virtually every type of form he produced, including not only the tour de force vessels for which he is famous but also the novelties he made for sale at fairs and expositions which clearly illustrate his background as a folk potter.

Acknowledgments

This exhibition was enabled by the support of Kirk and Cosette Steehler. Their generous and long-standing support of the Museum and its programs cannot be over-acknowledged.

Additional support for the exhibition was generously donated by Jeff and Carolyn Anthony, Terry and Scott Henry, and Donna Nicholas.

Ralph and Terry Kovel provided the initial inspiration for the exhibition, by offering to lend from their unique collection, which is broadly representative of Ohr's work.

The generosity and encouragement of the other lenders, especially Marty and Estelle Shack, are remarkable, reflecting their enthusiasm for Ohr's work and their commitment to raising critical awareness of this neglected genius.

Gene and Carolyn Hecht's infectious enthusiasm has been inspiring. Gene's scholarship on the Biloxi potter has created the context by which we can begin to understand and appreciate the breadth of Ohr's accomplishment.

David Rago was also enthusiastic about the project, and generously gave his time and expertise.

The staff of the Erie Art Museum has, as usual, exceeded any reasonable expectations for performance and diligence. Heather Gill, Andrea Wood and Joe Popp, especially, deserve recognition for exceptional work.

Without the dozens of volunteers who gave hundreds of hours, painting, cleaning, hauling cases and polishing plexiglas, the exhibition simply could not have taken place. Their vitality and sense of community has inspired us through the long hours of preparation.

And we gratefully acknowledge the spirit of George Edgar Ohr, the Unequalled Variety Potter, Crank, etc.

John Vanco, Curator

Thanks to the following people for their help in installing this exhibit:

Volunteers:
Annita Andrick
Kat Wroblewski
Rachel Smith
Valerie Finney
Sarah Levetsis
Kate McGrath
Julie Manno
Ida Beebe
John Farren
Alanna Gedgaudas
Carrie Dzikowski
Sean Sedam
Rene Hewitt
Aubrae Matthews
Susan Matthews
Cathy Sabados
Cara Fortin
Roger Gorny
Sarah Leretsis
Phyl Weaver
Jarrett Butler
Nicole Miller
Jennifer Herman
Stephanie Wood
Ryan Marnen
Melissa Sullivan
Valerie Finney
Amy Grudzien
Caitlin Welsh
Ann St. George
Annie Klahr
Rusty Straub
Susan Shea
Frank Dix
John Vahanian
Mandi Grolemund
Joe Dworzanski

Erie Art Museum Staff:
John Vanco
Heather Gill
Andrea Wood
Kim Krynock Hanrahan
Cynthia Christopher
Elena DiValerio
Sara Hoover Creager
Melissa Guy
Joe Popp
Alan Chaffee
Courtney Mallen
Lewis Bourne

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