MCM Circa 1955 Beulah Michigan Muriel Trapp Cross (1913-2006) Glass retailer and Clay Tray Form SIGNED stunner ORIGINAL mod decor original Label

The Charlie B Gallery of Carson City, Nevada is offering this Muriel Original tray form for sale. Per the artist's obituary: Muriel was born in Chicago on Feb. 19, 1913, and moved to Beulah with her parents, Dr. Fordyce Stone and Maude Stone, in 1914. Her father was the only physician in Beulah for many years.

Muriel Cross was one of the first women in the area to create and manage a successful business based on her artistic talent. She showed self-reliance and artistic ability in her high school years that were spent retailer in Chicago, away from her family's home in Beulah. In 1934 she married Howard Trapp, who with his father and brothers ran Trapp and Sons Celery Gardens in Beulah. She began a career in pottery after the birth of her three daughters because of the need for therapy for arthritis in her hands.

She was a creative artist whose original and handmade lamps, pots and figurines won her recognition and acclaim throughout a much wider area than her native village. In her mind she conceived the form, beauty and use of her ceramic creations and with her hands she molded, fired, glazed and adorned them. Throughout the country they have added grace, charm and beauty to countless homes.

Her first shop opened in Beulah on U.S. 31 in 1947. Before long, she was well known as the artist who made ceramic angels playing the various instruments in an "angel orchestra," which were a favorite item at the Music Box in Interlochen. She also collaborated with the Cherry Hut, making jam jars with cherries on the lid.

In 1960 she bought the Alonso Ceramics Company and focused on making custom designed lamps and hanging lanterns, some of which still adorn the sanctuary of the Benzonia Congregational Church. Muriel also provided the design for the sunburst cross of stained glass, the focal point of the chancel area in that church.

The lamp business prompted her to move to a larger space in Benzonia. It had a showroom and a space for a workroom with kilns, where she often gave demonstrations on the potter's wheel. There she expanded her business to include interior decorating design, wall coverings, carpeting and draperies. Her business acumen was widely recognized, and she was one of two women from Benzie County invited to join Zonta in Traverse City before a local club existed.

She retired in 1984 after her husband's death, and took up quilting as an art form, producing many unique and outstanding quilts. In 1985, she married Judson Cross of Saratoga, Calif., where they resided in the winter months. Muriel was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood of Frankfort, and a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church of Benzonia (UUC), where she sang in the choir for more than 55 years.

Muriel Trapp exhibited in 1948 at the Syracuse Ceramic Nationals from Benzonia, Michigan.

This tray is signed Muriel, as shown. with original label. There are some scattered flecks and nicks found over the surfaces as well as a factory clay void to the foot. Harmless scuffing is noted to the foot, which certifies use. This item has a nice ring when tapped. This item is in pleasing used condition. All fragile merchandise is shipped using the "double box" process.