Maria, pronounced mah-RY-uh, daughter of Joseph H. Longworth, in Cincinnati, Ohio, one of the wealthiest in the city of that time. Due to her comfortable upbringing, she was exposed to many facets of the arts at a young age and one hobby picked up painting. Longworth returned to Cincinnati after studying ceramics and painting in Japan. In 1880, Maria started Rookwood Pottery Company with a small team creating masterpieces that can stand in your living room. Among so many accomplishments and contributor to the arts in Cincinnati, and around the world, Longworth is also the co-founder of the Cincinnati May Arts Festival.