User:Pmcarlson/sandbox

Polia Pillin (born Sukonic or Sunockin) (September 1, 1909-July 25, 1992) was a Polish-American ceramist during the 20th century. Born in Szenstochowa, Poland in 1909, she immigrated to the United States in 1924 and settled in Chicago, Illinois. In 1927 she met and married Ukranian immigrant William Pillin. They lived near Albuquerque, New Mexico from 1936-40; Chicago from 1940-48; and finally in Los Angeles, California, where they lived from 1946 until their deaths (William in 1985, Polia in 1992).

Work
Polia used engobe and glaze techniques to create Mid-Century motifs painted onto hand-thrown pottery such as pots, vases, plates, bowls, etc., with the majority of subjects involving women, horses, cats, fish, and other animals. She produced most of her work from her home studio set up in the family's garage in Los Angeles, called the Pillin Art Pottery Company. Decorated pieces of Pillin pottery generally sell for $350-$4000 at auctions.

List of Notable Projects or Exhibitions
San Francisco Art Association, 1939

Art Institute of Chicago, 1947, 1948

San Francisco Museum of Art, 1948

Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1948, 1950

Oakland Museum, 1950

California State Fair, 1951 (prize)

Exhibition of ceramic ware, Willow Gallery in Greenwich Village, New York City, October 1955

Exhibition of ceramic painting, Circle in the Square Theater in Greenwich Village, New York City, October 1955

Who's Who in American Art, 1940-63

Exhibition at Long Beach Museum of Art, Long Beach, California, November 15-December 6, 1960

Art show of ceramics and ceramic paintings, Willow Gallery in Greenwich Village, New York City, September 28-October 28, 1961