Reclaiming David Drake: The Legacy and Restitution of Drake's Ceramic Art

A roundtable discussion with:

• Dr. Melody Rod-ari (LMU Professor of Art History
• George Fatheree (LMU Loyola Law School alumnus, 2007)
• Ryan Maroun (LMU Art History alumnus, 2025)

This KaleidoLA roundtable brings together legal, art historical, and pedagogical perspectives to examine the legacy of David Drake (also known as Dave the Potter), an enslaved nineteenth-century ceramic artist whose signed works were often inscribed with poetry. The discussion centers on the recent and successful restitution of Drake’s ceramic vessels from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to his heirs. This significant legal case has far-reaching implications for provenance research, restitution, and the recognition of formerly enslaved artists.

Panelists include George Fatheree, attorney, LMU Loyola Law School alumnus, and member of the LMU Board of Trustees; Ryan Maroun, LMU art history alumnus and researcher on the Drake project; and Dr. Melody Rod-ari, LMU Art History Professor. The panel will reflect on the collaborative work that made this restitution possible. Together, the speakers will explore Drake’s artistic significance, the legal and ethical dimensions of restitution, and the role of undergraduate research and training in shaping meaningful professional work.

Dr. Kirstin Noreen, Chair of Art History, will introduce the KaleidoLA Speaker Series and moderate a concluding discussion and audience Q&A.

This event is free and open to the public.