Saturday Evening Girls: Pottery and Social Reform

Introduction to “”

is an important piece of social history that highlights the power of art and craft to bring positive change to our communities. This article will explore the history of the Saturday Evening Girls and their role in social reform in Boston during the early 20th century. We will look at how they used pottery to break down class boundaries, their influence on the art world, and their contribution to the modern American pottery movement.

The Saturday Evening Girls

The Saturday Evening Girls (SEG) were a group of teenage immigrant girls from the tenements of Boston’s North End. Established in 1908 by Edith Brown, the SEG provided an alternative to the dangerous street life for these young women and offered them an opportunity to learn skills and gain self-confidence. The group met on Saturday evenings to learn pottery-making, as well as other crafts such as sewing, embroidery, and basket-weaving.

Breaking Down Class Boundaries

The SEG was not only a place of learning, but also a place of social reform. The SEG provided an opportunity for girls from different social classes to come together and work together. This was significant because it allowed members to form relationships with people from different backgrounds and to gain an understanding of different cultures. Through their shared experience of learning pottery, the SEG was able to break down social class boundaries and create a sense of unity among the members.

Influence on the Art World

The work of the SEG had a significant impact on the art world. Their pottery was in high demand and their designs were featured in the prestigious magazine The Craftsman. The SEG’s pottery was also exhibited in art galleries and museums around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This exposure allowed the group to gain recognition and respect from the art world and paved the way for other pottery makers.

Contribution to the Modern American Pottery Movement

The SEG’s pottery was very influential in the development of the modern American pottery movement. They were among the first to use a technique called “slip trailing”, which involves using a thin stream of clay to create decorative patterns. This technique was later adopted by other potters, including the renowned American potter Rose Cabat. The SEG also made use of unusual glazes and vibrant colors, which had a big influence on the modern American pottery movement.

Criticism and Legacy

While the SEG had a positive influence on the art world, they also faced criticism from some quarters. Some people argued that their work was not “true art” because it was made by untrained amateurs. Despite this criticism, the SEG’s work continues to be appreciated and their legacy lives on in the modern American pottery movement.

The Saturday Evening Girls Club

In the 1920s, the SEG established the Saturday Evening Girls Club (SEGC). The SEGC was a place for the members to gather, socialize, and share their pottery-making skills with each other. The club provided a safe and supportive space for the members and allowed them to continue to learn and grow. The SEGC also provided a place for members to showcase their work and receive recognition for their craftsmanship.

Fundraising and Charity Work

The SEG was committed to using their pottery-making skills to help their community. They held regular fundraisers to raise money for local charities and provided pottery-making classes for underprivileged children. The SEG also donated their pottery to hospitals, schools, and churches, helping to improve the lives of those in need.

The Saturday Evening Girls Today

Today, the legacy of the SEG lives on in the form of the Saturday Evening Girls Club (SEGC). The SEGC continues to provide pottery-making classes and workshops for young people. The club also offers scholarships to those who demonstrate excellence in pottery-making and promotes the work of local potters.

Conclusion

The is an important piece of social history that demonstrates the power of art and craft to bring positive change to our communities. The SEG was able to break down class boundaries, gain recognition from the art world, and contribute to the modern American pottery movement. They also used their pottery-making skills to help their community through fundraising and charity work. Today, the legacy of the SEG lives on in the form of the SEGC and their work continues to inspire potters around the world.