The Elms hosts Peeler Pottery celebration

Monday, February 8, 2010

GREENCASTLE -- The Putnam County Museum is holding a celebration for "Peeler Pottery: A Retrospective," at the Elms, the home of DePauw President, Brian Casey on Feb. 20.

The 342-page book tells the story of Putnam County residents Richard and Marj Peeler. It begins with their meeting in 1941 as art students at Indianapolis Arsenal Tech High School and follows their lives through college and courtship as well as the building of their self-constructed rammed earth home in southern Putnam County.

It continues with the story of Richard's tenure on the art faculty at DePauw University where the new Peeler Art Center is named in his honor.

In 1972, Richard retired from DePauw and, together with Marj, opened Peeler Pottery, a production studio built in their backyard. They worked as a team, producing utilitarian and artistic pottery until Richard's death in 1996.

The book documents, through 756 color photos, the beauty and diversity of the Peelers' artistic creations. Their pottery is the major focus, but their sculptures, Richard's wood turnings and Marj's fabric and gourd art are also featured.

The book is available through the museum as a limited edition hardbound volume with dust jacket for $75 or soft bound for $40.

Marj Peeler will be signing books at the Feb. 20 event. A silent auction featuring select pieces of Peeler pottery will also take place. Contact the Museum for more information about the event.

The Putnam County Museum is located at 1105 North Jackson Street, Greencastle. The book may be purchased at the museum, ordered by phone at 653-8419, by email at museum@co.putnam.in.us or through their website www.putnamcountymuseum.org.

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