RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 14, 2009

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Shannon H. Standley: 210.357.1876
shannonstandley@wittemuseum.org

Jim Dalglish: 210.357.1870
jimdalglish@wittemuseum.org

Witte Museum Presents Colors on Clay: Pottery of San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO-The Witte Museum is proud to host Colors on Clay: Pottery of San Antonio on view in the Betty Coates Textile Gallery September 19, 2009 through March 21, 2010.

Drawn from the outstanding private collection of Susan Toomey Frost, this exhibit features a selection of brightly colored tiles decorated to reflect the popular imagery of Mexico and South Texas. The exhibit is included with museum admission.

Generically referred to as "San José tiles," the works were locally produced by small groups of artisans working in a succession of three workshops from 1931 to 1971, led by entrepreneur Ethel Wilson Harris. A highlight of the exhibit is the original drawings of Fernando Ramos, the principal artist for the first workshop-Mexican Arts and Crafts.

The exhibit is complemented by a catalog, Colors on Clay: The San José Tile Workshops of San Antonio, recently published by Trinity University Press and written by Susan Toomey Frost, which is available for purchase in the Witte Museum Store.

The Witte Museum is hosting an Author Discussion and Book-Signing at 2 p.m., September 20, including a lively discussion of art and history exploring the rich artistry, designers and styles of the colorful tiles, bowls, plates and other wares produced by the San José Workshops in San Antonio, Texas.

The Author Discussion and Book-Signing is included with museum admission.

For more information call 210.357.1900 or visit www.wittemuseum.org.

Witte Museum Presents – Colors on Clay: Pottery of San Antonio