Javis and James Fortmann Collection

Marguerite Wildenhain (1896-1985)
Footed Bowl, ceramic, ca. 1970s, LFAC #2002:04:06 (left)
Head Pot, ceramic, ca. early 1980s, LFAC #2002:04:13 (center)
Bowl, ceramic, ca. 1960s, LFCA #2002:04:03 (right)

James Fortmann was born in Dubuque, IA, in 1917 to parents who emigrated from Austria and Germany, After graduation from high school in Dubuque, he entered the art school at the Art Institute of Chicago. He graduated from that institution but received his teaching credential from the University of Chicago. His first teaching position was in Baltimore, MD. He served in World War II as an illustrator with the U.S. Air Force. After the war, Fortmann settled in California where he taught at a variety of schools, both at the secondary and community college level. Although he taught in Pasadena for awhile, most of his years were spent in the Long Beach area where he taught at a technical high school. Here he worked with the drama department creating sets and later became the ceramics instructor. Fortmann always regarded himself as an educator rather than a production potter. His wife, Javis, also taught school for many years.

Upon retirement, the Fortmanns purchased property in Sedona, AZ, where they have lived for 25 years. They were world travelers who enjoyed visiting unusual places, purchasing art, and learning about the cultures they encountered. A special trip for the Fortmanns revolved around their participation at the World Crafts Council General Assembly which met in Peru in 1966. During that visit, they acquired several of their pre-Columbian pieces.

In 1990, the Fortmanns donated the potter’s wheel built and used at Pond Farm by Marguerite Wildenhain to the Luther College Art Department. They also donated a Christmas cookie to the Fine Arts Collection which had been decorated and sent to special friends by Wildenhain.

During July 2002, the Fortmanns donated a collection of 15 ceramic art works by Marguerite Wildenhain to Luther College. Jay Fortmann had attended Pond Farm workshops three times between the summers of 1966 and 1971. He purchased the art works directly from Wildenhain during the years he studied with her. He selected the works both from open stock at Pond Farm and from the "locked case" where Marguerite Wildenhain kept her "best" works. They also donated three pre-Columbian objects from Peru, a Mochica head, a mummy wrap, and a water carrier pot as well as a contemporary Peruvian whistle pot. In addition, the Fortmanns donated notes, letters, and photographs relating to Marguerite Wildenhain to the Luther College Archives.

Ref: Jane Kemp’s personal interview with James Fortmann, July 24-27, 2002

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