Ruth Gowdy McKinley

Ruth Gowdy McKinley (1931 – December 8, 1981) was a Canadian ceramic artist noted for her skill in designing functional ceramic ware. She specialised in making teapots, cups and vases.

In 1976, she became the first potter elected into the Royal Canadian Academy of Art.

Early life 
Born in Brooklyn, New York, McKinley originally studied classical piano from the age of 4 and was eventually offered admission to study at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City. At this stage in life, McKinley made the decision to work with her deep interest in clay by enrolling, instead, to study in the Department of Industrial Design at the New York State College of Ceramics in Alfred. McKinley earned her MFA from Alfred in 1955.

Sources
https://studioceramicscanada.com/home/about-barry-morrison/consolidation/ruth-gowdy-mckinley/
http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/sgc-cms/expositions-exhibitions/feu_terre-fire_earth/Artists/GowdyMcKinley/GowdyMcKinleyBioEn.html

References 

Category:1931 births
Category:1981 deaths
Category:Canadian ceramists
Category:Canadian women ceramists
Category:20th-century ceramists
Category:New York State College of Ceramics alumni