Bonnie Nelson recently spoke at the Stutsman County Memorial Museum’s Front Porch Chat, discussing the history of North Dakota pottery. She highlighted four major sources of collectible North Dakota pottery, with a focus on the University of North Dakota School of Mines under the direction of Margaret Cable. Many pottery houses in North Dakota were started by Cable’s students or instructors she had hired. Nelson also mentioned Dakota Pottery, Dickota Pottery, and Rosemead Pottery as significant contributors to the state’s pottery legacy.
The talk delved into the unique styles and techniques used by these pottery houses, as well as the influence of the North Dakota landscape on their designs. Nelson emphasized the historical significance of pottery produced during the 1930s by the WPA, which was distributed to various institutions. She also highlighted the collectability and value of Rosemead Pottery, noting the wide range of items they produced.
As a dedicated collector herself, Nelson expressed her passion for finding rare pieces to add to her collection, often scouring auction sales and online platforms like eBay. She is also an active member of a collectors’ club in Fargo that shares her enthusiasm for North Dakota pottery.
The Front Porch Chat on July 28 will feature Clara Peterson discussing “America the Beautiful,” providing another opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich cultural history of the region. Nelson’s presentation served as a reminder of the artistic legacy of North Dakota pottery and its enduring appeal to collectors and enthusiasts alike.
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Photo credit www.jamestownsun.com