Zanesville Museum of Art features Pottery Collector’s Unique Assortment

One man has taken his day job and used it to feed a hobby, bringing J.B. Owens’ pottery from all over to one place.

Collector and researcher of J.B. Owens’ pottery Edward Council has over 1,300 pieces and he had to pick just a few for the exhibit at the Museum of Art in Zanesville. It’s been a hobby of his for years but it started with just one auction with his father.

“He used to take me to the auctions, and so his bit was, he looked for American Art Pottery,” said Council. “We were running late. I go out and I see this one place and he goes ‘do you see any pottery and I say ‘yeah’ he asked me if it was marked and I say well no and he says ‘well that’s no good it’s Owens’… I was going to prove him wrong. This is really just 30 years of proving he was wrong. ”

The exhibit features pieces that represent pottery in all forms, from metallic glaze to texture and shape focused pieces, Council has found something for everyone to enjoy. Although the pottery is worth a lot, he says it’s the chase that really keeps him going.

“It’s just a game, in some respect,” said Council. “You’re looking at a puzzle, a really complex puzzle and figuring out where they all fit in.”

The exhibit will be in the museum of art until August 8.