Burkett Pottery collection to be unveiled later this month

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

On Oct. 27 the Putnam County Museum will unveil a consolidated permanent collection of Richard Burkett's pottery.

The collection includes a variety of ceramic works donated by the artist and Putnam County residents. The public is invited to an unveiling ceremony to be held at 6 p.m. at the museum, located at 1105 N. Jackson Street, Greencastle, directly before the program at 6:30 p.m. featuring Jinsie Bingham's "Mildew in the Basement," which promises to be a fun look at our past and an inducement to be thankful for our present.

"We are excited about featuring Richard Burkett's pottery as a consolidated collection of his works in a new case. We are thankful to Lucille Burkett for her generosity that made the new display possible," said Tanis Monday, museum director.

Since 1970 when he started a summer job with late Indiana potter Richard Peeler, Burkett has been making pottery and teaching ceramics in various universities across the country. Burkett opened his own pottery studio in Greencastle in 1972 and later moved to Bainbridge, establishing Wild Rose Pottery.

Today, Burkett lives and works in California, where he teaches at San Diego State University and makes functional and sculptural pottery in his Third Pottery studio.

Burkett's variety and scope of ceramic art enriches Indiana's pottery tradition as well as many a private collection of utilitarian and decorative pottery in Putnam County.

Make sure to check out the Museum's entire local pottery exhibit during your visit and pick up a copy of the "Peeler Pottery: A Retrospective," a 342-page compilation of 756 color photos of the Peeler's work with an inspiring personal story written by Marj Peeler as an introduction.

The remaining few copies can also be ordered by phone at 653-8419.

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