NCECA 2026 + Exciting Opportunities for Susanne & John Stephenson!
Next week is an important moment in ceramics history with the 60th conference of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts being hosted in Detroit. We are so excited to share with you a number of exciting opportunities where the work of Susanne + John is being featured!
A FEW FUN FACTS ABOUT NCECA
Susanne + John were both founding members of NCECA when it officially launched in 1966.
In 1980, John cohosted the NCECA Conference at the University of Michigan.
In 2002, both Susanne and John were recognized as honorary members of NCECA, and were recognized for their significant, ongoing impact in the field of ceramic art, including mentorship, creativity, and scholarship.
In 2026, we are delighted to announce that Stephenson Ceramics Studio has been selected by NCECA 2026 to be included in their unforgettable Collectors Tour. Collectors will get a wonderfully curated experience to help them select the perfect piece to take home.
WHERE TO SEE THEIR WORK
2026 NCECA Cranbrook Alumni Exhibit - Chrysler House | Detroit
The Cranbrook Alumni Exhibition in Detroit is an international collection of Cranbrook alumni ceramic artists exploring materiality, scale, and emergence – framed by Detroit’s architecture. Featured artists include ceramics luminaries Marie Woo (Ceramics MFA 1956), Mie Kongo (Ceramics MFA 2008), and Rob Raphael (Ceramics MFA 2004). John and Susanne’s work will be featured alongside Ceramics alumni spanning 70 years.
Curated by Alison Wong (Painting MFA 2006), Director and Curator at Wasserman Projects.
719 Griswold St, Ste 170, Detroit
Wed – Sat 10:00AM – 5:00PM
On view: Mar 25 - 28
Reception: Thu, Mar 26, 5:00PM – 7:00PM
Counterpoint: Mapping Detroit's Ceramic Legacy | Detroit
Centerpoint: Mapping Detroit’s Ceramic Legacy is an exhibition that traces Detroit's deep history with clay and the institutions that shaped it, such as Pewabic, the College for Creative Studies, and Cranbrook. Artists include Mary Chase Perry Stratton, Horace Caulkins, Maija Grotell, and others. John and Susanne’s work will be featured alongside these artists. Curated by Kimberly LaVonne.
5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit
Wed – Sat 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Sun 1:00PM - 5:00PM
On view: Mar 21 - May 4
Reception: Thu, Mar 26, 5:30PM - 8:00PM
John + Susanne Stephenson both served as board members at Pewabic for several years. Both John and Susanne have had exhibits there, and they both currently have work on display and available for purchase!
PEWABIC POTTERY
10125 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit
Mon - Sat, March 23 - 28: 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Sun, March 29: 11:00AM - 4:00PM
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
We are working to preserve the extraordinary legacy of two internationally recognized ceramic artists and educators, Susanne and John Stephenson. We are collecting a lifetime of stories and memories about Susanne + John in order to preserve their legacy for future generations.
Were you a former student, colleague, or friend of this dynamic duo? We want to hear your memories and stories! We would love it if you shared this with others who had a connection to Susanne and John.
Our goal is to compile a comprehensive collection of these stories and insights about these remarkable artists to become a permanent collection for the archives. These stories may be used in future print, media, etc to help tell their story.
Click Here to add your stories and memories to this amazing legacy project!
Read about us in the news!
NEW HOURS FOR 2026
Drop by during open hours: Thursdays and Fridays: 12pm-4pm
New this year! We’re excited to offer one-on-one art consultations and a tour of the collection with our Studio Director, Patti Smith. These private consultations provide thoughtful guidance to help you navigate the work and find the perfect piece. Consultations are available Thursdays and Fridays, 12-4. Or, Saturdays by appointment with at least 48 hours advance notice. You can make an appointment with Patti using this link.
Please note: Parts of the property have uneven and gently sloping terrain. Caution is advised. There is seating in the studio. All ages welcome. All artwork on the property is available for purchase upon inquiry.
SCULPTURES, VASES, BOWLS, WALLPLATES, MUGS
SCULPTURES, VASES, BOWLS, WALLPLATES, MUGS