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Bruce Winn Obituary

1959 - 2012
Bruce Michael Winn, well-known ceramic artist of Tiverton, RI, died on January 17, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer. His husband Michael Roseberry was at his side. He will be remembered as a loving companion, an inspired creator and a nurturing teacher.

Bruce was born in East Windsor, Connecticut to Fred and Barbara Winn on April 12, 1959, and was the youngest of four boys. At age six he saw a pottery demonstration and decided on the spot to be a potter. He received his BFA from the Program in Artisanry at Boston University in 1983, studying under Richard Hirsh and Christopher Gustin. In 1988, Bruce earned his MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art studying under Graham Marks.

He taught at numerous locations in New York City including the 92nd Street Y, Parsons School of Design, Greenwich House Pottery, and CUNY. He also taught at the Rhode Island School of Design and Bennington College. In 2002 he filled the Koopman Distinguished Chair at the University of Hartford Art School.

In 1997, Bruce and his partner Michael Roseberry started the artisinal ceramics company Roseberry-Winn Pottery in Providence, RI. After several years of selling their work to retailers including L.L.Bean, Garnet Hill Catalog, Barney's, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the couple moved to Tiverton, RI in 2002 to open their own store in historic Tiverton Four Corners. At that time, their design and production studio moved to Fall River, MA, and the artists added a tile collection to the existing line of decorative and functional ceramics. On October 30th, 2010 the couple was married in Litchfield, CT in a beautiful ceremony down the road from Bruce's family homestead.

Bruce's artwork can be found among the collections at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Stockholm Royal Palace and the Newark Museum.

He is survived by his husband Michael Roseberry of Tiverton, RI, his brothers Kevin Winn and his wife Marcia of Newington, CT, Timothy Winn and his wife Cathy of East Windsor, CT, his nieces and nephews, and many devoted friends. Bruce is predeceased by his mother and father and his elder brother Donald.

A memorial celebration will be held at 1:00 p.m. February 12 at the 1st floor gallery space in the building the houses the Roseberry-Winn studio at 1 West Street in Fall River, MA. Additional information can be found at the Olson & Parent Funeral Home Website. www.olsonparent.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times from Jan. 31 to Feb. 1, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Winn

Not sure what to say?





Pamela Wiley

January 7, 2013

I came across this obituary this morning with great sadness. I was washing a beautiful cup Bruce had given me when we were in graduate school at Cranbrook when I thought to give him a google. I am so happy to read of all the love and success in his all-to-short life. I know you must be a special man, Michael, and must miss your beloved husband and partner. We are all special just to have known Bruce.
Condolences, Pamela Wiley

Martha & Armen Tenkarian

February 9, 2012

We are very saddend to hear of Bruce's passing and extend our condolences with deep sympathy to Michael and Bruce's family. His very special warm spirit will be remembered as an example to follow and his talent present throughout our house will continue to be enjoyed daily.

Jess & Bob Casey

February 8, 2012

Our sincere condolences to Michael, Tim and the entire family. Meeting Bruce was a very special experience that showed just what determination and talent can accomplish. He will be in our thoughts and memories.

S Lerer

February 3, 2012

The staff of American Cancer Fund™ at www.AmericanCancerFund.org is sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. We have received memorial contributions in his name and our sincere condolences go out to his family.

Janice Hastillo Brown

February 3, 2012

Bruce was a joy and a good friend when we were in high school. I am so sorry to hear that he passed, but he will live on in his art and in the memories of his friends. Farewell, dear Bruce.

Debra Lucas

February 2, 2012

My sincere condolences to Michael and to Kevin and Tim. I will miss Bruce's warm smile. I was so hopeful that he would prevail in his battle against cancer. Bruce's talent will live on, whether through his students, or through admiration of his work in private and museum collections.

Debra Lucas

February 2, 2012

My sincere condolences to Michael and to Kevin and Tim. I will miss Bruce's warm smile. I was so hopeful that he would prevail in his battle against cancer. His talent will live on, whether through his students, or through admiration of his work in private and museum collections.

Laurence Winn

February 2, 2012

Bruce was special as we know how hard he fought to servive cancer. He was admired by all his family and friends and he will be missed greatly His outstanding talent will be a great loss.

Uncle Laurence and Aunt Nancy

Laurie Nash

February 2, 2012

We will greatly miss Bruce's wit and sensitivity..memories of better times are so good - never forget!

Warm Summer Sun

Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night.

By Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens)
The Poetry Foundation

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