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Newcomb Pottery is considered one of the most significant collections of American art pottery of the 20th century, with each piece critically acclaimed and highly coveted. The Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service has partnered with Newcomb Art Gallery at Tulane University in New Orleans, to present the largest, most comprehensive Newcomb Pottery collection to tour the country in nearly three decades. Women, Art, & Social Change: The Newcomb Pottery Enterprise will be on display at the Stark Museum of Art in Orange, Sept. 20, through Jan. 3.

The exhibition, which initially debuted at Newcomb Art Gallery in 2013 in New Orleans before launching the national tour, features more than 125 objects - the iconic pottery as well as lesser known textiles, metalwork, jewelry, bookbinding and historical artifacts.

"Women, Art, & Social Change brings together a variety of objects created during the lifespan of the Newcomb enterprise," said Sally Main, curator of the Newcomb Art Gallery. "The finest examples of the pottery art form will be displayed alongside pieces that will come as a revelation to many - not only a rich variety of crafts but also photos and artifacts that breathe life into the Newcomb legacy."

Newcomb Pottery was established in 1895 as an educational experiment of H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College, Tulane University's former women's college. The quasi-commercial venture offered an opportunity for Southern women to support themselves financially during and after their training as artists. Inspired by the flora and fauna of the Gulf South, the pieces offer insight into the extraordinary women who made a lasting impression on American art and industry.

Representing 45 years of achievement in decorative arts from 1895 to 1940, the exhibit is supported by grants from the Henry Luce foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works, which were matched by supporters of Newcomb Art gallery.

The Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for nearly 60 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science and history, which are shown wherever people live, work and play.

Stark Museum of Art is located at 712 Green Avenue, Orange, Texas. For more information visit www.starkmuseum.org.