Ann Arbor art gallery to closes after six decades
The Stephenson Ceramics Gallery in Ann Arbor, a cornerstone of contemporary ceramics for more than sixty years, is preparing to shut its doors. Founded by husband-and-wife duo John and Susanne Stephenson, the space has long served as both studio and exhibition venue for their distinctive, hand‑crafted forms.
In its final weeks the gallery invites collectors to purchase works directly from the artists, with an online inventory and scheduled appointments through Oct. 17. The schedule—Thursday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.—offers a last chance to see the pieces in person.
The closure is accompanied by the Stephenson Ceramics Legacy Project, an archival effort that will produce two comprehensive catalogues documenting the couple’s career, travels, and influence on the field. Donations ranging from $25 to $100 are being accepted, with contributors receiving test tiles as thank‑you gifts.
Project director Patti Smith is coordinating the archive and can be reached for inquiries. The gallery’s legacy will live on through the catalogues, the archived collection, and the continued presence of the Stephenson works in museums worldwide.