Polia Pillin

Polia Pillin, née Sukonic or Sunockin (September 1, 1909-July 25, 1992), was a Polish-American ceramist during the 20th century. Born in Częstochowa, Poland, in 1909, she immigrated to the United States in 1924 and settled in Chicago, Illinois. In 1927, she met and married Ukrainian immigrant William Pillin. They lived near Albuquerque, New Mexico, from 1936-1940; Chicago from 1940-1948; and finally Los Angeles, California, from 1946 until their deaths (William in 1985, Polia in 1992).

Polia used engobe and glaze techniques to create mid-century motifs painted onto hand-thrown pottery such as pots, vases, plates, bowls, etc., with the majority of subjects involving women, horses, cats, fishes, and other animals. She produced most of her work from her home studio, called the Pillin Art Pottery Company, which was set up in the family's garage in Los Angeles. Decorated pieces of Pillin pottery generally sell for $350–$4,000.

• San Francisco Art Association, 1939
• Art Institute of Chicago, 1947, 1948
• San Francisco Museum of Art, 1948
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1948, 1950
• Oakland Museum, 1950
• California State Fair, 1951 (prize)
• Exhibition of ceramic ware, Willow Gallery in Greenwich Village, New York City, October 1955
• Exhibition of ceramic painting, Circle in the Square Theater in Greenwich Village, New York City, October 1955
• Who's Who in American Art, 1940-1963
• Exhibition at Long Beach Museum of Art, Long Beach, California, November 15–December 6, 1960
• Art show of ceramics and ceramic paintings, Willow Gallery in Greenwich Village, New York City, September 28–October 28, 1961