Renaissance woman Mary Stratton helped define Detroit art, architecture

Pewabic tiles at inlaid in the wall at Dog and Pony Show Brewing Co.
Pewabic tiles at inlaid in the wall at Dog and Pony Show Brewing Co. Photo credit Aaron Gierada

DETROIT (WWJ) -- One of Detroit's most impactful women was not only an artist and a chemist, but she played a major role in the city's architecture too: Mary Chase Perry Stratton, the co-founder of Pewabic Pottery.

On International Women's Day, WWJ's Zach Clark takes a look at the century long legacy of one of Michigan's finest artists.

Stratton's legacy is seen across the city -- and beyond -- with Pewabic found in famous places like Comerica Park, the Guardian Building, Detroit Metro Airport, and even all the way in Washington, D.C. and Nebraska.

Annie Dennis, the director of education and archivist at Pewabic, says Stratton couldn't even legally own property when she launched her business more than a century ago, which makes it even more "amazing."

Featured Image Photo Credit: Aaron Gierada