Visionaries: The Stephenson Ceramics Legacy Project

On Saturday, June 27 from 6 – 8 p.m., the public is invited to participate in an inspiring evening celebrating the launch of The Stephenson Ceramics Legacy Project and the opening of Visionaries, a special exhibit highlighting the history, artistry, and lifetime impact of ceramicists Susanne and John Stephenson. Enjoy live music with Paul Vornhagen Jazz and light refreshments while strolling through the 2026 outdoor gallery, sculpture garden, and studio. 

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. 

Visionaries: The Stephenson Ceramics Legacy Project
Opening Reception: Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 6 – 8 p.m.
John and Susanne Stephenson Sculpture Garden, Gallery, and Studio, 4380 Waters Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103