NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art at the University of Oklahoma recently opened “Frankoma Pottery: For Those Who Like Nice Things.” The exhibit, running through March 2025, highlights the extraordinary gift to the museum of Frankoma ceramics from the Rodolfo Machado and Jorge Silvetti Frankoma Collection.
The exhibition, comprised entirely of Frankoma Pottery, explores the history and legacy of the Oklahoma company and its relationship to Norman and the University of Oklahoma, where it was established in 1934.
“We are excited to present works of Frankoma Pottery, that many will find familiar, in a new light,” said Jonathan Hacker, Ph.D. candidate and Everett Family Curatorial Intern for Art of the American West at the museum. “I hope that visitors will not only connect with their own memories of these objects but learn more about them and their importance to the innovative and artistic legacy of the Frankoma Pottery Company.”
The exhibition’s title, “Frankoma Pottery: For Those Who Like Nice Things,” is a play on one of the company’s marketing slogans to emphasize its commitment to high-quality ceramics. But Frankoma Pottery went beyond that by encapsulating and sharing with the world the spirit of the state it called home, Oklahoma.
“The collection is exceptional in its breadth and has been meticulously selected over four decades,” said Thomas Brent Smith, Wylodean and Bill Saxon Director of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. “The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is honored to be chosen by Rodolfo Machado and Jorge Silvetti to be the stewards of this remarkable collection of Frankoma Pottery, bringing these works home to Oklahoma.”
On Sunday, Oct. 20, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., the public is invited to explore the galleries with family and friends, discover their creative side with hands-on artmaking and more. Spotlight Sunday is free for children 17 and under and with paid adult admission.
The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, located at 555 Elm Ave. on the OU Norman Campus, is closed on Mondays. Regular hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. For accommodations, phone 405-325-4938.
“Frankoma Pottery: For Those Who Like Nice Things” is organized by The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art with support from the Norman Arts Council.
Learn more about the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. OU was named the state’s highest-ranking university in U.S. News & World Report’s most recent Best Colleges list. For more information about the university, visit ou.edu.
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