Pottery Donation Molds Next Generation

April 01, 2025

Warren MacKenzie (1924-2018) was an American potter known for simple yet elegant, functional pottery and unwavering commitment to making affordable pottery for domestic use. His work has shown worldwide. Warren also served as an educator at the University of Minnesota, eager to share his knowledge.

Anoka-Ramsey’s Art Department has received a collection of MacKenzie’s work — a gift from Bill and Horty Shieber — for students and the public to enjoy. The Shieber family has a working relationship with MacKenzie and collected his work for many years. The work was previously shown in Pro-Art gallery in St. Louis, Missouri.

This is not the first time Anoka-Ramsey has honored MacKenzie and his work. In 2017, the college produced the documentary Warren MacKenzie: A Potter’s Hands. MacKenzie was a presenter at the Sharing the Fire workshop in 2012. The goal of the Sharing the Fire project was to encourage and document the rich history of ceramics across Minnesota. MacKenzie was influential for establishing Minnesota as a place where potters gather and learn from one another.

Pieces are scheduled to be on display in late March on Anoka- Ramsey’s Coon Rapids Campus for both students and the public to view. This work will continue to serve as an educational tool for students to learn from and study.
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This feature appeared in the 2025 Anoka-Ramsey Community Newsletter. View a full PDF version of this story and additional pieces.