Entrance to our gallery….
John started potting 43 years ago, and I fell into it more like 16 years ago. He first studied in college, took one year in grad school, then apprenticed with Abe Cohn, a Wisconsin Master Potter in Milwaukee WI. and Fish Creek, WI., who recently marked 50 years in the Fish Creek, WI in his gallery and studio The Potter’s Wheel. Abe, well over 80 years old, is still potting. In 1974 John bought 10 acres of Driftwood Farms, an apple and cherry orchard. The property was an old apple packing and storage barn, which he converted into a studio/gallery/home. We married in 1994 and soon I was making ’stuff’ in the studio, not just waxing and glazing.
In 2000 we began pit firing in an above ground pit (built with hard and soft bricks) in an almost off handed way. Someone asked us if we would like to do one pit firing with them and could we provide the land, wood, bricks, materials, insurance etc? Sure, why not. And then, we found that we liked doing this so much, we began doing it weekly. Then we held public demonstrations and, finally, selling bisqueware to customers so they could do it with us. So, nine years later, with many experiments and failures to support us, we find we can get some good results, almost consistently. The Wednesday workshops begin in May and end sometime around the end of October.
We’re also parents, grandparents, gardeners, readers, singers and caretakers of many animals…including the wild ones who inhabit our outdoors.
Operation Welcome Homes provides Iraqi and Afghan U. S. Soldier Vets and their families with well-earned free vacations
Do what you can
The other morning when I woke up I saw this out side and had to take photos of it.
It was cold outside and I was in my pjs, robe and slippers. Not even a hat. I could hear my Mom yelling at me.
I like that time of the morning, before the sun warms the frost right off the leaves and trees. Very few birds are out, but the ones that are sound so good to me.
It’s like that now, just not below freezing. The fog looks like it is stuck to or hiding behind the trees. It’s a good writing day.
A map to Ellison Bay Pottery Door County Peninsula.
Curvy mug (smb)
It’s worth the drive to northern Door County. Not only will you find great pottery at affordable prices, there are several restaurants (Mink River Basin, Viking Grille, and T. Ashwell’s).
There are two other potteries in Ellison Bay, their links are on my blog roll. Check out Clay Bay Pottery and Gills Rock Stoneware.
Across from Gills Rock Stoneware is the Newport House, full of folk art, outsider art and wood carvings, a lovely place to find something to buy and bring home. (link in blog roll)
Down Mink River Road is Turtle Ridge studio and gallery-fabulous leather work, bags to crave and recycled clothing. (blog roll)
The Pioneer Store, which constitutes the backbone of our town, is open every day. One of the last full service gas stations is down town- Ellison Bay Service.
The bookstore Caxton Books is open on weekends, it’s a used book store lover’s used book store.
You can always find something to bring home from our gallery, and you can also have a small tour of our studio.
Come up, we’ll help you find that perfect gift.
ELLISON BAY POTTERY STUDIOS
Galleries
Exhibits
Make Your Own Art
Ceramics/Pottery Studio
Arts/Crafts
Artist’s Studio12156 Garrett Bay Rd.
P.O. Box 28
Ellison Bay, Wi 54210
Phone:(920) 854-5049
John Dietrich and his wife Diane McNeil have been making their functional stoneware pottery: Art for Every Day, since 1974. Dedication to their love of Door County, strong shapes, contemporary design and gem-like glazes is reflected in their goblets, bowls, vases, cups, mugs, etc. Commitment to exploring the origins of humankind, art, and pottery inspires both to create their one of a kind Pit Fired Ceramic Art. Daily demos and hands-on pit fire workshops on Wed. during the season. 10-5 daily.
Last updated on 11/18/2009 at 8:17:00 AM
IL-4521c IL-891h
Pages are automatically kept current by the properties on this site.
Plan Your Trip | Where to Stay | Where to Dine | What to Do | Great Deals
Weddings & Group Travel | Fish Boils | Maps and Directions | Online Store
Gift Certificates | Relocation | Conventions & Meetings | Media | Business Directory
Related Links | Employment | Becoming a Member | Contact Us | Site Map
©2009 by Door County Visitor Bureau.
All Rights Reserved. www.DoorCounty.com
