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Sophisticated Surfaces: The Pottery of Herb Cohen

Sophisticated Surfaces: The Pottery of Herb Cohen

7 April 2012 - 17 March 2013

Mint Museum Randolph  

 

 

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of The Charlotte Observer

 

  

Organized as part of the Mint's celebration of its 75th anniversary, this exhibition celebrates the ceramic creations of Herb Cohen, masterful potter and a seminal figure in the museum's history. Cohen's stoneware pots harmoniously blend purity of form with sophisticated surface decoration. Many of his works feature intricate, abstract patterns that have been carved into the clay surface and then glazed in contrasting colors. The exhibition includes approximately 35-40 examples of Cohen's pottery, including works from the Mint's permanent collection and loans from local collectors and from the artists' private collection. 

   

  • Cohen was born on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and received his first training in ceramics as a boy at Henry Street Settlement.
  • He received his Master of Fine Arts from Alfred University
  • Cohen gained experience with industrial applications for ceramics while working for the Hyalyn Porcelain Company in Hickory, NC.
  • He then moved to Charlotte, where he joined the staff of the Mint Museum, becoming the Director of Exhibitions; even serving as Acting Director during 1968-1969.
  • Cohen and his life partner, Jose Fumero, a notable textile designer, relocated in 1972 to Blowing Rock, NC, so they could devote themselves to their artistic endeavors.
  • In 1994, the State of North Carolina commissioned work from Cohen for Fayetteville State University's Health, Physical Education and Recreation Complex covering the interior floor and wall surface treatments, hallways, pool, arena and lobby mural using paint, vinyl floor tile, carpet, and ceramic tile. The pattern is based on the rhythmical weave of African Kente cloth.
  • After 38 years in Blowing RockNC, Cohen and Fumero moved back to Charlotte in 2010. 
  • Both Cohen and Fumero are on the Board of Trustees for the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum
  • Cohen's biography and CV contains more detailed information on his exhibition history and achievements: Herb Cohen BIO - Final.pdf  

 

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Created by Danielle Mathieson, volunteer.