Story and photos by Trevor Daugherty
Over the course of the post-war era, Michiana has been a hotspot for many different activities. Our region has been shaped as industries have come and gone. More recently, a strong and growing farm-to-table movement has taken hold. But did you know about Michiana’s burgeoning reputation as a ceramics destination?
The annual Michiana Pottery Tour celebrates its 10th anniversary September 25–26. The showcase will offer more stops than ever, stretching from South Bend to Goshen and up through Bristol in Indiana, and all the way to Constantine, Michigan.
This year’s tour also marks the sustained and increasing appreciation of ceramics in our area. You can walk into any number of South Bend restaurants and find the work of Alec Hoogland, a local potter whose plates have set the scene for some of the city’s most beautiful dining experiences. For the first time, Hoogland will host a stop at his studio.
“Ever since attending my first tour as a guest in 2014, I dreamt of hosting at my studio. I am so excited to have a crew of folks whose work I really admire, and it’s great to see such a diverse group of pots,” Hoogland says about the expansion of the Michiana Pottery Tour.
“Folks in South Bend hold a real love and desire for the city to do and be really great. This year, with the addition of local chefs serving food at various locations throughout the Michiana Pottery Tour, it will create more excitement around handmade objects,” he continues.
In Goshen, local craftworkers such as Dick Lehman, Justin Rothshank, Mark Goertzen and Sadie Misiuk have a combined 80-plus years of experience churning out beautiful wares for everyday life. Their ceramics offer a departure from the usual mass-produced tableware, mugs and vases found in every corner of the United States. Choosing handmade objects adds variety and spice to daily routines with a splash of color, flower decal or natural glaze finish created from days and nights spent wood firing.
Rothshank says this annual event connects him to the broader region in a way previously not enjoyed by local artists. It’s also an opportunity to introduce and highlight ceramic artists from around the country.
“The Michiana Pottery Tour has given me a way to connect the local community that I love with the national clay community that I love. It’s a great way to invite others into the tangible visual arts studio and natural environment that inspire me every day,” Rothshank says. “After 10 years, this event continues to provide a local, regional and national platform for dozens of emerging and established ceramic artists.”
The tour was started 10 years ago to showcase the region’s growing ceramics community. With internationally known artists in our own backyard, the desire to introduce work locally culminated in an annual two-day event each September.
While Edible Michiana has long celebrated the efforts of local farmers, food producers and restaurateurs, we also recognize the importance of supporting artists. Having a locally made mug in your hands for a morning cup of coffee or tea is another highly satisfying way to support the regional economy.
If you’ve not taken the Michiana Pottery Tour, this 10th anniversary year is a great time to make the journey to studios across the region and discover the talent and wares made locally.
Trevor Daugherty is the publisher, along with his wife, Breanna, and editor in chief of Edible Michiana. They also own and operate Trevor Daugherty Clayworks in Goshen, Indiana, which will be a stop on this year’s Michiana Pottery Tour.
Copyright ©2024 Edible Michiana. All rights reserved
