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Photo: John Polak

Viola Frey

Plate Full of Figurines, Bricolage Series

USA, 1982

Margaret Pennington Collection

Date acquired:

Materials:

Earthenware

Form - Functional: N/A

Form - Sculptural: N/A

Method:

Mixed Methods

Surface Technique: N/A

Kiln Type: N/A

Glazes:

Glaze

Viola Frey | 1933 – Present

Viola Frey is known for her monumental, brightly colored, figural sculptures. She became a major player in California Funk, a movement among artists working with clay who challenged the confines of functional work.

In the 1970s she began to build her larger than life, multi-piece, figural sculptures. She would cut into these pieces in order to move and fire them. Her figures are textured and glazed with bright colors.

Frey also created large-scale ceramic plates and chargers. She was equally skilled as both a draftsman and painter. In addition, she was an avid collector of kitsch ceramics and often made molds from them, using the cast pieces in some of her work.

Frey joined the faculty of California College of the Arts in 1960. She retired in 1999 as chair of the Ceramics program.

Learn about artist

Margaret Pennington Collection

View collection

Other works by Frey

Viola Frey

Father Series

1974

Viola Frey

Fallen Man

1900

Viola Frey

Cup and Saucer, Viola Frey with Betty Woodman

1986

See all Frey works

Frey in other collections

TMP collaborates with the finest public and private collections of modern and contemporary American ceramics in the United States. Browse collections to learn about artists and their works. Reach out to us to become a collection partner.

Margaret Pennington Collection
,

Mills College Art Museum
,

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Note:

These records have been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced.

Last updated: April 22, 2026

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Plate Full of Figurines, Bricolage Series

Other works by Frey

Frey in other collections