Maria Longworth Nichols Storer (20 Mar 1849 – 30 Apr 1932)was an entrepreneur. Born into a business and political family, Maria was allowed the luxury of exploring art while being exposed to business. Maria founded the Cincinnati May Festival (“May Fest”) and studied under Benn Pitmann for china-painting. Her experiences and wealth allowed her to found Rookwood Pottery., attempting to make American pottery a fine art. She was a socialite who hosted Oscar Wilde when he came to town. But she also made enemies with Teddy Roosevelt, which led to her downfall.
Queens of Queen City 