As a response to the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina and Rita in Mississippi, Atelier Yoyita is hosting and showcasing the artists affected by the Hurricanes.

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Shearwater Pottery
Gulf Coast Community Foundation
PO Box 446
Fairhope, AL 36533

All of us have heard of the devastation suffered by the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Louisiana from the winds and water of Hurricane Katrina. The clips play over and over in our heads, and we wonder how something so tragic could happen so insidiously and ferociously. Mother Nature, once a source of nurture and comfort, now queries our devotion and trust. Our souls have been shaken at the suffering sustained by our friends and neighbors along the coast. Our hearts mourn for those families who have suffered death and separation of loved ones. We sift through all of the emotional, material, natural, political, and economic levels of destruction. We wonder if our conscious will ever reconcile with the muddled landscapes, rancid smells, and tumultuous stares of Katrina’s victims.

It is with much fortune that we are able to tell you that all of the Anderson family evacuated and are safe. The twenty-four acre property known as “Shearwater” did not escape the path of destruction. Much of the work of Peter and Jim Anderson, Walter Anderson, and James McConnell Anderson have been damaged or destroyed. Only three of the 15 buildings on the property were spared total devastation. Eleven of the buildings no longer exist or are beyond repair, including the showroom. The workshop will need near total reconstruction. Many of the molds have been recovered and will be able to be used again. Some of the workshop equipment has been spared and will be put back to use; however, most will need to be replaced. Many of the Andersons are now living temporarily with friends and family until further plans can be extracted from the post-Katrina chaos.

Many of you who have found your way to this site have experienced the serenity and simplicity of Shearwater Pottery. Annette McConnell Anderson and her husband George Walter Anderson purchased the waterfront land facing the Mississippi Sound in Ocean Springs, Mississippi in 1918. It was on occasion used as an art colony for those who came to the inspiring coastal town. Years later, the late Peter Anderson (December 22, 1901—December 20, 1984) was inspired by a Newcomb potter, Joseph Fortune Meyer, and he traveled to the Northeast to study pottery. Shearwater Pottery was founded in 1928. The annex was added years later after Peter’s younger brothers, Walter Inglis Anderson (September 29, 1903—November 30, 1965) and James McConnell Anderson (August 9, 1907—April 13, 1998) joined the pottery. They designed the figurines and sculpted pots that are still produced. All four of Peter and his late wife Patricia’s children continue the legacy of Shearwater. Jim Anderson is the master potter, and his son Peter Anderson is learning the trade. Michael Anderson oversees the annex where Patricia Anderson Findeisen and other family and friends continue to decorate the pottery. Marjorie Anderson Ashley is the business manager at the Showroom.

Currently, Shearwater is wading through the post-Katrina chaos. The salvage and cleanup of the property is itself an enormous task. The pottery that is found is being cleaned and meticulously cared for. Shearwater plans to begin a smaller scale production temporarily at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center in Ocean Springs. Plans are still being made for a temporary retail site until the Shearwater Pottery workshop and showroom can be restored and rebuilt. The process will be long and costly. Most of the paintings and block prints of James McConnell and Walter Anderson are in urgent need of repair and restoration.

Unfortunately, there is neither federal nor local assistance available for the restoration of private art collections. The infrastructure of the property will have to be reconstructed. Although Shearwater is a National Historic District, no funds are available for redevelopment of the infrastructure or buildings since Shearwater is a for-profit organization. Insurance settlements will cover only a fraction of the total cost of salvage, restoration, and reconstruction.

Many people have expressed an interest in donating to Shearwater Pottery or the Anderson family. This is very much appreciated, as it seems as though the future of Shearwater is largely dependent on private and corporate donations. Those of you wishing to make tax-deductible donations to Shearwater Pottery may make checks payable to “Gulf Coast Community Foundation” and send them to the following address:

Gulf Coast Community Foundation

PO Box 446

Fairhope, AL 36533

Checks should be earmarked for the “Shearwater Pottery Hurricane Relief Fund.” They may also be earmarked to “Realizations” for the family of Walter Anderson or to the “Family of James McConnell Anderson.” Donations can also be divided among the three families.

We are grateful that the friends and family of Shearwater have joined together in support and encouragement. In the cool and playful morning hours of each new day, we know that we can, and must, reconcile with nature and ourselves. We reflect on the courage and creativity of our late relatives, and we hope that we will have the vision and strength to rebuild the delightful Shearwater Pottery. This is our home, and we as a family and community will “stand sure.”