Van Briggle Pottery Festival & Tour – Sept 15, 2018 – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
1125 Glen Avenue, Colorado Springs
One-hour walking tours begin every 20 minutes, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tours are $15, & free for children under 14 who are accompanied by an adult.
Dedicated on 12-3-1908 by Anne Van Briggle, in memory of her deceased husband Artus; this was the main pottery building until it was sold by Van Briggle Art Pottery Co. in 1968 to Colorado College. An outstanding preservation project resulted in the stabilization of the building, including removal of the floor portion of the kilns while allowing preservation of the original chimneys and roofline. In 2009, through the efforts of George Eckhardt, the property was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of Interior.
The building’s interior and exterior are covered with 5,000+ Van Briggle tile and faience designs, created by Anne Van Briggle and J. Emma Kinkead. This is one of the finest examples of American Art Pottery in the United States!
Tours will begin with a visit to the original Factory Showroom; with magnificent fireplace, floor, wall décor and lighting fixtures all created in Van Briggle tile & terra cotta. “Anne Van Briggle” will be portrayed, welcoming you to the events.
The former kiln area will include a display of many historical photos of the pottery building; as well as photos of the destruction resulting after the 1919 fire and 1935 flood.
Tours will end in Anne Van Briggle’s Studio, with another magnificent fireplace, vintage photos and memorabilia of the early days of the pottery. Kathy Honea & Bob Teas will have a display of vintage brochures and advertisements; as well as early pottery “in all the colors of the Colorado landscape,” as was Artus’ original intent.
Tour attendees may bring two pieces of Van Briggle for authentication by Van Briggle collectors & volunteers Sandy Ensor, Brittany Stevenson, & Linda Crissey.
Authentication of two pieces of Van Briggle, without tour, will be $10.
Hands-on clay activities and pottery wheel throwing will be provided by Bemis School of Art.
Tours of the HAS Gardens will be provided by the Horticultural Art Society. Tours of the beautiful gardens bring an increased awareness of all the colors of the Colorado landscape, after which Artus & Anne Van Briggle created their vast assortment of exquisite glazes for their wares.
The Lorelei sculpture, by Larry Terrafranca, is installed in the garden. Larry will be on hand to discuss the installation of the northern Van Briggle wall, which he also designed.
Partner organizations with information and at the festival include cosponsor Bemis School of Art and local historic organizations: Horticultural Arts Society, Historic Preservation Alliance, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, Manitou Springs Heritage Center, McAllister House and Friends of Monument Valley Park.
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