Nemadji Collectors

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While I was out and about today I ran into some Nemadji collectors. It’s always fun to hear about found bargains.  It seems garage sales in the Moose Lake area still have lots of “gold” to mine.  Dave and Jeanne told me about a great bargain  they snapped up on a Nemadji Pottery lamp. Listening to their stories…it’s true the early bird catches the worm.  The photos above include the old showroom sign used at the Nemadji Pottery plant in Kettle River. I purchased it when the plant closed its doors for good in 2002.  The pottery plaque was created especially for me.  I use it when I do my presentations about the history of Nemadji Pottery and Tile.  It might just be the last piece of Nemadji to be created.  I have also added a photo of the new art installation in Moose Lake, Minnesota. It represents the amazing history of our little town which is the gateway of the Arrowhead Region.

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Garden of the Gods Pottery miniatures

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I love my little Garden of the Gods pots by Eric Hellman. There are also a couple of small pieces of Nemadji. They display nicely.

Moose Lake, Minnesota Artwork Featuring Nemadji

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This is a segment of a new archway that was assembled in Moose Lake, Minnesota this summer by Larson Clayworks .  I especially love this piece of the archway as it honors the history of Nemadji pottery and tile in Moose Lake.  If you visit the city, the artwork is located next to the library.  I would love to see your selfie next to this!

Nemadji Township

 

 

All photos (C) 2014 by Michelle Lee

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Nemadji Township

 

CLAY

Raw Nemadji Clay, found near Moose Lake, MN

 

 

RIVER

 

Banks of the Nemadji River

We went on a mission to dig Nemadji Clay.  Didn’t have to go far to find it, as the Nemadji River snakes its way throughout Carlton County.  Nemadji Township was the site of an early brick works factory in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.  The clay was easily found.    The old township sign can still be found, although it seems to move around a bit.  Last time I was out there it was on the other side of the gravel road.

Garden of the Gods Pottery Eric Hellman

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Eric Hellman was hired by Nemadji Pottery and Tile to create and design the first line of Nemadji pottery and to create master molds that would set the stage for decades of production for the Moose Lake based pottery. He also introduced the “cold” painting process that gave Nemadji Pottery its unique swirls.hellmanpicx600w

This is a link to newspaper article about Eric Hellman.

to see more of Hellman’s work, visit Broadmoor Pottery

The Myth and Magic of Nemadji “Indian” Pottery

http://www.amazon.com/Myth-Magic-Nemadji-Indian-Pottery/dp/097447990X

From Time to Time

New collectors often ask me where they can find the good stuff.  It is still out there you just have to look.  Antique malls, garage sales, Ebay are all good places to start.  Soon your eyes will be trained to spot the colorful swirl painted pottery and you are on your way.  large

These pieces are on their way to the Lakeside Traders Antique Mall in Moose Lake, Minnesota.  They are made with red Nemadji Clay and Buff Clay from Wrenshall. All three were produced in Moose Lake, Minnesota in the 40’s and 50’s.

Minnesota Nice

Nemadji18 Nemadji Indian Pottery handmade in Moose Lake, Minnesota in the early to mid 1900’s.