ANN ARBOR, MI – If you drive down the dust-filled Waters Road in Ann Arbor, a narrow turn into a driveway is an entry to the lifelong work of two esteemed artists in Ann Arbor.
Susanne Stephenson’s’ home has turned into a sculpture garden. Birds ring in the peaceful space, a waft of dry paint percolates.
Throughout the backyard and small buildings are 2,000 pieces of work done by Stephenson and her late husband John. They are available for viewing and purchase.
The two are renowned in the art world for their ceramic sculptures and designs. John Stephenson, who died in 2015, taught at the Stamps School of Art & Design at the University of Michigan. Susanne taught at Michigan and Eastern Michigan University.
Susanne Stephenson said she feels “very complimented” to have her property shown to the public.
Each have been internationally recognized for their unique sculptures. Their work is displayed in museums in China, Prague, Greece and Switzerland. The Detroit Institute of Arts, Cranbrook Art Museum in Bloomington Hills and the University of Michigan Art Museum also hold pieces. They have won numerous awards and recognitions for their artistic creativity and talent.
“They traveled internationally and did things internationally that no artist did back in the 1960s,” art collections manager Patti Smith said. “They were both at the leading edge. It’s amazing to be surrounded by this history.”
Pieces span from metal sculptures, twisted into various shapes and displays. Plates line the walls of the home, bright colors deflecting the midday sunlight. There are no classical paintings, portraits or landscapes.
Ceramic art is art made from ceramic materials, including clay. It may take varied forms, including artistic pottery, including tableware, tiles, figurines and other sculpture. Clay pots and small sculptures sit inside the studio.
The couple had over 60 years of artwork compiled in a home studio. The work had sat untouched for nearly ten years after John died. Smith approached Susanne about turning her home into a public art gallery and the process began.
Every piece of art was registered. Some of John’s sculptures and plates are displayed in the backyard, neatly marked with a price. Others sit inside two buildings.
Various shapes, sizes and materials of art are scattered throughout the backyard. It is hard to find two pieces that appear the same.
The Stephenson’s were “pioneers” of their time, Smith said. They traveled to China and Japan to teach and study the nature of ceramic art. They learned new strategies and techniques and engaged in cross-cultural education.
“Anybody who knows anything about ceramics, knows who John and Susanne are,” Smith said.
Select pieces are available for purchase. Prices range from $300 to $25,000.
The Sculpture Garden and Studio is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday through October at 4380 Walters Road in Ann Arbor. Artworks that sell during the show will be replaced with other work from the archives until the collection is sold.
“It’s really historical,” Smith said. “It’s our gift to be able to open this to the public.”
Walk-in Tours viewing is available. Visitors can register for a guided tour on the website: stephensonceramicstudio.com. Drop-ins are welcome, but a guided tour is not guaranteed. Maps are provided to visitors.
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