Maija Grotell became a ceramist who immigrated from Finland to America in 1927. At that time, there were minimal ceramic facilities in the United States, and ceramics were considered either an industry or a hobby. But the effort of Grotell including her pioneer teaching helped to change those attitudes. She and those she influenced demanded mastery of the kick wheel, the upgrading of firing facilities, and the continuous experimental production of test glazes so that a common working knowledge could be built.

Grotell was born August 19, 1899 in Helsingfors, and there she studied at The Ateneum, the Central School of Industrial Art, and completed six years of graduate work in ceramics while supporting herself drawing for the National...