On August 30, 2013, we lost a longtime member of the local arts community; renowned potter Jean Mann. Jean had a longstanding relationship with the Brookfield Craft Center, having taught and exhibited here on many occasions. Beloved by many Craft Center artists and students, she was very connected to the history and legacy of our school.

Jean’s notable accomplishments include: inventing the carved interlocking moveable links technique for porcelain craft, being awarded the Society for Connecticut Crafts’ Master Craftsman/Educator Award (1995), and having her pottery included in 13 permanent collections including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian Institute, and Yale University Art Gallery.

The Brookfield Craft Center was honored and humbled to learn that Jean had bequeathed the entire contents of her New Fairfield Kick Wheel Studio to our organization as part of her estate. We are very happy to accept many tools and supplies, including one of her kick wheels, which will be on permanent display on campus in her honor. Jean’s former tools, kilns, and even clay, will begin to be used by Craft Center students beginning with our summer 2014 pottery classes.

Photos courtesy of Newstimes.com article January 20, 2012.