Marguerite Wildenhain, an early Bauhaus graduate and student of sculptor Gerhard Marcks and potter Max Krehan, became the first woman to receive the designation of Master Potter in pre-World War II Europe. Forced to flee Germany in 1933 because of her Jewish ancestry, Wildenhain sought refuge in Holland and in 1940, made her way to the United States, eventually accepting an invitation from Gordon and Jane Herr in 1942 to help create a 140-acre experimental art colony in Guerneville. Although the art colony collapsed in 1952, Wildenhain purchased the land and buildings from Gordon Herr and established her own Pond Farm Pottery in the Bauhaus tradition. The Pond Farm site — including a 19th century livestock barn converted into a ceramics studio and showroom, Marguerite’s small home, a guest cottage, and cultivated landscape — served for half a century as an important gathering place for artists and students. Her life work as an artist and teacher sent out ripples that still course through the art world.
Tasks: Exciting new projects include expanding interpretive tours at the Pond Farm Pottery site, developing pottery exhibits and educational workshops, and assisting with landscape restoration plans.
Meeting times: Join us for work on ad hoc projects plus monthly meetings held at the Stewards’ Volunteer Office.
Training and requirements: No prior knowledge or training is necessary! New volunteers must attend one General Orientation, and are encouraged to attend our affordable seminars to expand their knowledge base. All new volunteers are required to complete and turn in a hard copy of the CA State Parks DPR 208 paperwork. Read our Volunteer Handbook for more information about becoming a volunteer.
More Information
Contact Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods via email or phone at (707) 869-9177.