Exhibition Summary:

Don Reitz extended the definition and potential of ceramic arts in the last century. Peter Held, contemporary ceramic scholar, calls Reitz, “… a modern day folk legend and larger than life.” The artist grew up in the aftermath of the Great Depression, which was, undoubtedly, an influence on his tough-minded approach to life and the intense and forceful way he handled clay.  

In the 1950s during the throes of Abstract Expressionism when paint was flung onto the canvas by Jackson Pollock and Peter Voulkos was ripping and twisting clay into powerful forms – Don Reitz also poured his personal energy into his ceramics, which were unorthodox for their style and technique. He “accosted” the clay in a manner that was sensational, even theatrical.

Among Reitz’s many accomplishments he reintroduced the process of salt firing to American clay artists, for which he became known as “Mr. Salt,” and Reitz’s legendary workshops throughout the country exposed a new generation to a full body, muscular approach, to handling clay. As a result of Reitz’s contribution to the ceramic world as both an educator and artist, in 2001 he was voted as one of the top thirteen most influential artists working in clay by thousands of readers of the prestigious publication, Ceramics Monthly.

Reitz passed away in 2014 leaving a legacy that influenced a generation of ceramic artists, especially his students at the University of Wisconsin, where he taught for more than 25 years. His children inherited their father’s estate and now support programming that expands the analysis of Reitz’ rich artistic contributions to the 20th century and how those contributions are continuing into the 21st century. Few artists of the twentieth century rival Reitz’ versatility and desire to experiment, as evidenced by his ability to create a broad spectrum of work utilizing different firing methods and scale. The family is partnering with the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art to present this important traveling retrospective exhibition.

Contact: Chris Rupp | Curator | crupp@westmont.edu | 805-565-7109