April 17, 2026 - The Miller Art Museum is pleased to announce a special Potter’s Panel on Saturday, May 9, at 4:00 PM, held in conjunction with one of the museum’s five current exhibitions, Abraham Cohn | Maker’s Mark. The panel will be followed by a public reception at 5:00 PM.
The event brings together four master potters—John Dietrich, Reneé Schwaller, Chad Luberger, and Steven Cohen—each of whom was uniquely shaped by the example, mentorship, and lasting presence of the late Abraham (Abe) Cohn (1925–2013). Through conversation and reflection, the program offers a rare opportunity for the public to hear firsthand accounts of a practice grounded in discipline, observation, and the traditional passing of knowledge from hand to hand.
About the Exhibition: Abraham Cohn | Maker’s Mark, on view through May 23, 2026, traces the arc of a life dedicated to clay. The exhibition presents Cohn’s iconic pottery alongside early paintings and archival materials from his historic Fish Creek studio, The Potter’s Wheel. Supported throughout his career by his wife Ginka, Abe stands as a foundational figure in Door County’s craft community. Rather than teaching through formal declaration, he led by example and repetition, leaving a "maker’s mark" that extends far beyond the vessels he created. "Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher," notes an ancient Japanese proverb. This gathering reflects that truth, highlighting how Abe’s generosity and daily practice influenced a generation of artists.
Event Details:
- What: Potter’s Panel & Exhibition Reception
- When: Saturday, May 9, 2026. Panel at 4:00 PM; Reception to follow at 5:00 PM
- Where: Miller Art Museum, 107 S. 4th Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI
- Cost: Free and open to the public.
The exhibition and panel together illuminate the lasting value of sustained practice and the ways artistic knowledge is carried forward across generations.