Symposium

Each year, on a Saturday in Spring, the Cowan Pottery Symposium is held at the Rocky River Public Library. The Symposium is now organized and financed by Cowan Pottery Museum Associates with operational support from Rocky River Public Library staff.

Symposium sessions are open to all and there is no charge for admission. The Symposium program is intended for all who are interested in Cowan Pottery, its connections with the Cleveland School art movement, later work of Cowan artists, local history, art pottery and antiques collecting, or the arts in general.

This all-day Symposium program includes presentations by noted experts in decorative arts, art history and the role of R. Guy Cowan’s venture in the contemporary Cleveland environment. Other activities at the Symposium include news from collectors on new discoveries, acquisitions and restoration projects, and the Annual R. Guy Cowan Scholarship presentation.

The weekend of the Symposium also includes a post-event dinner gathering and is also a time for CPMA to present fundraising events such as sale or auctions of Cowan pottery items and to conduct its Annual Meeting.

The 33rd Symposium will take place at RRPL on Saturday April 26th. The theme this year will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the1925 Paris Exposition considered to be the dawn of the Art Deco era. Presentations will discuss the development of Art Deco and also explore the huge influence of Art Deco on Cowan artists and their creative output. Program details are shown here. As usual, there will an opportunity to purchase some original Cowan pottery pieces and Cowan-themed CPMA items. Also, bring some cash to participate in a great raffle ! Attendance is free and you are welcome to stay all day or to attend just individual sessions.