Wainwright earned recognition as a potter for her distinctive glazes, often mixing tones of blue, burgundy and gold in abstract shapes on porcelain bowls.

She died of cancer, family members said.

Wainwright, born Sarah Elizabeth Bowen in Valparaiso, Ind., on Aug. 11, 1927, developed an appreciation for Asian art forms from her parents, who had lived in China. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in psychology in 1950 and married her college sweetheart, Arthur Jergen Prange.

Wainwright began working in ceramics while living in Chapel Hill in the late 1950s.

Her daughter, Laurie Prange, remembers her basement studio as a place where she and her siblings could come to experiment.

"I remember mom's studio was well-integrated into our domestic life," she said. "We would often grab a lump of clay and start in on a pinch-pot or a figure," she recalled.

"She had a great sense of humor. Even in recent weeks, she's had a sense of humor that has kept her entire family and friends feeling hopeful and encouraged and full of love," Laurie Prange said.

Wainwright is best known for her work under the name Sally Bowen Prange. She married Steve Wainwright in January. They met through a shared love of scuba diving and the ocean.

Water was an integral theme in Wainwright's work, said Laurie Prange.

Wainwright is remembered as a mentor to local artists.

"She brought to her work a level of regional and national awareness that was different from the traditional potters in the state, and I think both benefitted thereby," said Charlotte V. Brown, executive director of the Gregg Museum of Art & Design at N.C. State University.

Raleigh art gallery owner Lee Hansley described her work as existing in two extremes, some pieces possessed of a "bold, high luster ... almost overstated," many others rough in texture and understated.

Her shapes were mainly classic bowls, though she experimented in installation works and organic shapes, Hansley said.

"She's never been satisfied with what she knew. She's always explored new avenues, new methods," he said.

"She was just a major force in ceramics in this state," said Hansley, who represented Wainwright for about eight years. "Her legacy will be her work, that very distinctive work that could only be done by Sally Prange."

Wainwright is survived by her husband; four children, Christy Rappoport, Marnie Prange, Laurie Prange and David Prange; her brother, Mick Bowen; 10 grandchildren, and her former husband.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4907 Garrett Road, Durham.

Donations may be made to the Durham Art Guild.