Explore the stories that connect past, present, and future with this extraordinary package celebrating history, art, and discovery.

The collection includes original works by Duwenavue Sante Johnson (fiber) and Vasile Cercel (ceramics), paired with an unforgettable behind-the-scenes experience at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

Fiber Art, 2026

Duwenavue Sante Johnson

Fibers

7.75 in H x 6.75 in

Porcelain Flag, 1997

Vasile Cercel

porcelain

17 H x 19.5 W inches

Strung for hanging, and stamped on front, lower left corner: "VC 97"

Your group will enjoy an exclusive private vault tour-a rare experience valued at $500-led by knowledgeable staff through areas of the collection not open to the public. Along the way, you'll encounter remarkable artifacts and hear the fascinating stories behind them. To make the experience even more personal, your group may request historical documents related to a topic, family history, or area of interest, creating a one-of-a-kind journey through the archives.

This unique package offers an inspiring blend of contemporary art, hidden history, and exclusive access that cannot be experienced anywhere else.

Artists Biographies

Johnson

Duwenavue Sante Johnson is a BIPOC artist with a rich heritage spanning both the northern and southern regions of the United States over the past four centuries. This diverse upbringing has significantly shaped Johnson's artistic lens, fostering a relentless quest for equilibrium, aesthetic allure, and steadiness within her masterpieces.

Cercel

Vasile Cercel was born in Bacău, Romania. He graduated from the Bucharest National University of Arts, Faculty of Decorative Arts and Design, Ceramics-Glass-Metal Department, specializing in ceramics. He was vice-president of the Union of Visual Artists from Romania and president of the Decorative Arts Section. In 1988, the UAP awarded him the Prize for Decorative Arts, and in 2004, the Presidency of Romania honored him with the Order of Cultural Merit in the rank of Commander for his work in the field of Fine Arts. His work has been shown around the world and is included in museum collections throughout Europe and North America. His sculpture included in this package is an unglazed porcelain slab with an impressed early American flag design, created for and exhibited in the groundbreaking Contemporary East European Ceramics in 1992.

About the Historical Society

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, founded in 1824, is one of the nation's largest archives of historical documents. We are proud to serve as Philadelphia's Library of American History, with over 21 million manuscripts, books, and graphic images encompassing centuries of US history. HSP is also a leading center for documenting and studying ethnic communities and immigrant experiences in the 20th century, and one of the largest family history libraries in the country.

Learn more about them here!

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio.
• Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 12:00 pm on September 27th 2026.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.