RAYMOND GRIMM 
(1924-2012) was a leader in the vanguard of artists who transformed Portland to a center of ceramics and glass arts. Regarded by some as “the founding father of pottery in Oregon”, he was cited in the authoritative “The History of Ceramics in the Pacific Northwest”, by Lamar Harrington who concluded, “Grimm has been the strongest most sustained influence on formally trained students of the Portland area.” From traditional German Catholic origins in St. Louis, Grimm leapt into a life of action and art. Ranging from his profession as respected artist/master craftsman and inspiring, beloved art professor in his 35-year career at PSU, Grimm initiated and embodied the essence of Portland’s current colorful charm and mystique. Considered eccentric when he began commuting by bicycle in the early ’60s, and until the age of 81, he cycled a minimum of 50 miles weekly. Grimm’s philosophy was “try everything once.” He built and established the first hot glass studio in Oregon. He joined fellow ceramicists, building an ancient Gilgama kiln in the Sheridan hills. He invented pottery techniques and glazes. Grimm’s teapots attained “perfection” according to peers. His graduate degree work studying with Carlton Ball at Southern Illinois University provided Grimm the foundation for his technical skill in ceramics. His interests, design and fabricating talents extended to sewing up bike gear and tents, a solar-powered country home, exquisite jewelry, hats, chic urban chicken houses and one of his favorite projects, the gracefully whimsical Weather Machine in Pioneer Square. Public and private commissions of Grimm’s works can be seen throughout Oregon in regional resorts, churches, schools, private collections, and in the collections of the Pacific Northwest College of Art and The Sovereign Collection Fine Art Gallery
