The John and Susanne Stephenson Sculpture Garden: Summer Schedule Starts May 8
A sculpture garden at the Ann Arbor home of EMU Professor Emeritus Susanne Stephenson and her late husband, U‑M Stamps Professor Emeritus John Stephenson (1929−2015), is set to open for extended summer hours next month. The John and Susanne Stephenson Sculpture Garden, Gallery, and Studio will be open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 12 – 4 p.m. from May 8 — October 25, 2025. Visitors can register for a free docent-led tour of the three-acre property full of metal and ceramic sculptures, or are welcome to drop by to enjoy the work on their own.
For over 60 years, internationally acclaimed ceramic artists and educators Susanne and John Stephenson redefined what it means to shape clay. Working side-by-side in their serene studio off Waters Road, this “duo of ceramics” cultivated a lifelong partnership with each other and clay. Both created prolific and distinctive bodies of work and are recognized for their achievements globally. Nestled among the trees on their three-acre country property, their studio became more than a workspace, it was a vibrant haven for creativity and exploration. Over the decades, their property evolved into a playground for the arts, a place for artists to gather and share ideas.
Now, the public is invited to explore the grounds where their legacy lives on. Wander the gardens where large metal and ceramic sculptures tower among the trees and colorful wall plates brighten the landscape. Step inside their studio and travel back in time – feel the tools that helped bring their visions to life and learn about their tremendous contributions to the field of ceramics. During your visit, stop by the Stephenson Ceramic Gallery, a newly opened space on the property that will be showcasing the work of contemporary guest artists throughout the summer.
Join us in celebrating their legacy, uncovering their remarkable story, and experiencing the harmony of art and nature. Expect to be inspired!
John and Susanne Stephenson Sculpture Garden, Gallery, and Studio
4380 Waters Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 12 – 4 p.m. from May 8 — October 25, 2025. All artwork on the property is available for purchase upon inquiry.
Drop by for your own strolling tour or sign up for a free docent tour at stephensonceramicstudio.com. Drop-ins are welcome, but a guided tour is not guaranteed. Please note: Parts of the sculpture garden have uneven and gently sloping terrain. Caution is advised. There is seating on the studio patio where tours begin.