The Dictionary of American Ceramics, 1945 onward
Dictionary of American Ceramics, 1945 onward
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Pressroom
TMP is the first research hub to foster the study of American ceramic arts 1945 onward by digitally documenting its artists and their marks, signatures, back-stamps, etc. used to identify their work. We believe that the ability to identify an artist and their marks enables inquiry and understanding of this material and its place in the history of American Art.
Working on a Marks Project or ceramic art story?
Members of the press can email [email protected] or write to us at— The Marks Project, 1009B Main Street, PO Box 238, Hope Valley, RI 02832, USA —with a media inquiry.
Submit a question or a speaking opportunity to our team, if you're not a member of the press.
Growing, growing, growing
Marks 7300 Objects 7225
Collections 93 Artist pages 2320
In the media
These artists exemplify the rich diversity and creativity within the world of ceramics. Visit their Artist Page to appreciate their artistry and explore more about their remarkable contributions to American studio ceramics.
The Marks Project: serving America's ceramics art community
Crystalline Glaze from the 19th Century through Today: History and conversation with studio potter, Robert Hessler
The American Studio Pottery Movement: Making order of its marking
Researcher's bliss at the Mint Museum
Cofounder of the Critical Craft Forum and
The Nancy M. McNeil Curator of American
Modern and Contemporary Crafts and Decorative Arts
Philadelphia Museum of Art
About our founder, Martha B. Vida
Martha B. Vida is the Founder and Executive Director of The Marks Project (TMP), a publicly supported non-profit. Vida wrote “The American Studio Pottery Movement: Making order of its Marking” which appeared in Journal Winter 2018 Vol.34 No.1. She is a lecturer and ceramics collector.
As a collector Vida was frustrated by not being able to find a print or online resource to identify marks/signatures of post-WWII American studio and contemporary ceramic artists. But it was seeing the work of living artists cataloged in print as by “Anonymous” or “mid-century” that drove her to correct the situation.
In 2006, Vida began to develop The Marks Project as a place to establish professional legacies for retired and deceased makers and to document the works and marks of working clay artists. In both cases, TMP raises the ceramists’ visibility and increases their ability to establish a presence in the larger marketplace of collectors, writers, researchers, curators and gallerists.
Vida is a book and interior designer, and lecturer. She is a member of the American Art Pottery Association, American Ceramic Circle, American Craft Council, Ceramic Study Club, Boston, MA, Pottery & Porcelain Club of Providence, RI, San Francisco Ceramic Circle, San Francisco, CA, past board member and president of the Connecticut Ceramic Study Circle.
Number One was the potter who would have a place online to be discovered and the only legacy tool available to craftspeople — the Artist Page.
Number Two was the museum curators and registrars, researchers and collectors who would use TMP to identify works in their collections, do research and write about American potters and artists using clay as their medium.
Today, TMP provides a service to assist in identifying an artist’s work and encourage the collection and exhibition of it.”
Founder and Executive Director of The Marks Project
Leading ceramic art influencers support TMP
We are grateful for the support of prominent ceramic art influencers and media outlets, who shape public perception through well-researched insights and informed coverage. Their work helps you, your friends and colleagues make informed decisions and think critically.
