Abstract

Viktor Schreckengost's 1931 New Yorker has been termed the most important ceramic in American history; prices for these "Jazz Bowls" have recently passed the quarter million mark. And while world-class museums display these icons of Art Deco, few scholars understand that they were originally part of an extensive series boasting at least 14 unique designs. Found on three different bowls and a plate, these objects bear a variety of icons depicting the excitement of the jazz culture—dancers, instruments, cigarettes, cocktail glasses, music notes, and bright lights—and all boasting the hallmark Egyptian Blue Crackle glaze. And now, in conjunction with a National Centennial Exhibition celebrating Viktor's 100th birthday at more than 100 museums nationwide, Richard and Heather McClellan are pleased to announce the Centennial Edition Jazz Bowls—a release of 100 New Yorker bowls produced under Vik's direction in a manner that is consistent with the first production runs.

In the Fall of 2005, Richard, then Director of the Viktor Schreckengost Foundation, and his wife Heather determined to surprise Chip Nowacek—Executive Director and Viktor’s step-son—by making him a "Jazz Bowl" for the holidays. Heather had studied at the Cleveland Institute of Art under Viktor’s shadow and had extensive experience with scratchboard, which requires a technique similar to the sgraffito of the bowls. After several rounds of review with Viktor and scores of hours, the effort culminated when the first bowl exploded in the kiln just a few days before Christmas. But that first foray was not a complete loss. In January Rich left his post at the Foundation to take leadership of the Viktor Schreckengost Intellectual Reserve (VSIR), where he and Heather decided to take on the project in a more aggressive way, producing bowls and plates using the methods and in the quantities originally conceived. In this presentation, Richard and Heather will share the story of the Jazz Series, both old and new, and will describe the production of the new series, including the setbacks and successes they've experienced in re-mastering this masterpiece.

Richard D. McClellan grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. He received his undergraduate degree in English at Brigham Young University and his MBA from Case Western Reserve University. He has worked as a consultant for McKinsey & Co. and designing strategy for American Express. At the Viktor Schreckengost Foundation he and Chip Nowacek organized and rolled out the National Centennial event, possibly the largest one-man exhibition ever. And now at VSIR, Rich sets and executes the strategy for use of Viktor's intellectual property, including reproductions, prints, licensing, and merchandise based on Viktor's works.  

Heather D. McClellan grew up in Pocatello, Idaho. She has been an art educator at the elementary, middle school, and college levels. She has poured hundreds of development hours into acquiring the expertise necessary to produce a bowl that qualifies in Viktor's mind as authentic. She has also built and is overseeing the entire production process for the bowls and plates, which ramps up to a team of 10 artisans in early May.

Richard and Heather have been married for 7 years; they have two daughters, Aurora (4) and Felicity (2).