119

Marva Lee Pitchford-Jolly

(1937-2012)

Untitled (Story Pot).

Painted hand-built stoneware clay with underglaze, circa 1980s.
Inscribed initials "MPJ" on the underside.
Approximately 21 x 20 x 20 in. (53.3 x 50.8 x 50.8 cm.), diameter 56 in. (142.2 cm.)

  • Provenance:
    Private collection, Chicago.

    This colorful and large "story pot" is a wonderful example of the expressive art of Chicago ceramicist Marva Lee Pitchford-Jolly. Born on September 11, 1937 in Crenshaw, Mississippi, Pitchford-Jolly received her BA degree from Roosevelt University in 1961 and her MA degree from Governors State University in 1974, both in the State of Illinois.

    From 1961-1965, Pitchford-Jolly taught at the University of Chicago Laboratory School. She worked as teacher and director at the Chicago Youth Center Head Start from 1965-1969. Pitchford-Jolly then worked as program director at the Chicago Commons from 1969-1974. In 1974, she worked as a professor of ceramics at Chicago State University and the education coordinator of the Suburban Health System Agency until 1981.

    In 1982 Marva decided to become a professional artist, after spending more than twenty years in teaching and social service careers. Over the span of her artistic career, she has been featured in many publications and films and enjoyed numerous trips to Africa, including a six week residency to work with Zambian potters, sponsored by the City of Chicago Artists Abroad program. Along with multiple commissions and honors, she has also served as an Artist-in-Residence numerous times, including at New York University. In 2008, Pitchford-Jolly and David Philpot's clay pots and carved wooden staffs were exhibited in Kindred Spirits at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center.

    Pitchford-Jolly served on the board of directors of Urban Traditions in 1984 and the Chicago Cultural Center in 1986; a board member of the African American Roundtable in 1985; and on the Exhibition Committee at the Chicago Cultural Center. In addition, Pitchford-Jolly volunteered at the Southside Community Art Center. Also, she is the founder of the Mud People's Black Women's Resources Sharing Workshop. Bio notes courtesy of histormakers.com and womenmade.com
  • Condition:
    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

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October 7, 2025 12:00 PM EDT
New York, NY, US

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