Otis Pottery's
Book a Pottery Class

No experience needed

Book a Class
Otis Pottery's
Book a Pottery Class

No experience needed

Book a Class

Book a Class

Learn the fundamentals of wheel throwing in a relaxed, small group setting with hands-on guidance at every step. This beginner-friendly class is designed for those with little to no experience, making it easy to get started and build confidence on the wheel.

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Start with the Beginner Class

beginner wheel throw
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Limited spots available — classes fill quickly.

The Studio Experience

Forty years of family artistry handcrafted in Northern Michigan's countryside.
A Legacy in Clay
Founded in 1988, David and June Otis brought forty years of German-trained artistry to Northern Michigan.
Handcrafted Family Artistry
A true family business where David, June, and son Andrew create everything from teapots to fountains.
Mastering the Elements
Using stoneware and porcelain, we fire pieces in wood, gas, and electric kilns to 2400°F.
Form Meets Function
Our durable, lead-free pottery is food-safe and built to withstand your oven, dishwasher, and microwave.
A Picturesque Destination
Visit our 100-year-old homestead near the Ironton Ferry to explore lush gardens and working studios.
The Otis Invitation
Discover over fifty original products and large-scale vessels where beautiful design meets practical, everyday use.
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About Us

At Otis Pottery, we’ve been creating handmade ceramics for over 30 years, rooted in a family tradition of craftsmanship. Today, we continue to share that passion not just through our work, but through hands-on classes where anyone can experience the joy of pottery.
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Pottery Shop

Functional stoneware and decorative porcelain, designed for beauty and utility.
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Private Events & Groups

Create unforgettable memories with our exclusive private event experiences. Perfect for celebrations, team building, and special occasions.

Bridal Parties

Celebrate your special day with a unique pottery experience for you and your bridal party.

Group Bookings

Perfect for team building, birthday parties, or gatherings with friends and family.

Custom Events

Have something special in mind? We'll work with you to create a personalized pottery experience.

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Try Pottery

No Experience Needed

Join our pottery classes and discover your creativity

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Here's What Some Of Our Customers Think:

The classes are such a great way to unwind and get creative. Andrew made everything easy to follow, and I loved learning new techniques each week! Highly recommend for anyone looking to try something new and de-stress!
The 6 week pottery class I took at Otis was the highlight of my winter. It was the perfect cozy space to begin my pottery journey. I have always wanted to try wheel throwing and Andrew was a most patient and wonderful teacher. He was great at letting you work through your mistakes, but was always ready to jump in and help fix them when needed. A great beginner friendly class full of fun, laughter, and messy clay!
I came into the class a little nervous as a first-time potter, but that feeling disappeared almost immediately. The welcoming atmosphere and supportive teaching style made it easy to jump in and enjoy the process. I expected to learn how to make pottery, but I walked away with so much more—including a new group of friends. It was such a positive, encouraging experience from start to finish.
Otis Pottery is a hidden gem—a family-owned shop with genuine warmth and exceptional craftsmanship. The pottery and art presentation are outstanding. If you seek authentic local business with quality products and welcoming people, this is your destination. Highly recommended.
Otis Pottery embodies peaceful serenity and artistic dedication. Andrew's massive vessels showcase incomparable talent and stylization. This magical place blends new traditions with old, offering genuine conversation and extraordinary art. A must-visit destination for pottery enthusiasts and collectors.
Otis Pottery creates beautiful, authentic work with genuine care. Otis and his family are warm-spirited and customer-focused. This down-to-earth business deserves your support. If you're choosing one local business to support, make it Otis Pottery.

The Crafting Process

Choose a Class → Book Your Spot → Create Pottery.
1

Choose a Class

Browse our pottery classes and select the one that fits your schedule and skill level.

2

Book Your Spot

Reserve your place in the class with our easy online booking system.

3

Create Pottery

Join us in the studio and bring your creative vision to life with clay.

Ready to Try Pottery?

Discover our fantastic early booking discounts & start planning your journey.
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FAQ's

Discover our fantastic early booking discounts & start planning your journey.

What makes Otis Pottery pieces safe for food and drink?

All Otis Pottery pieces are food safe and lead free. Each item is high-fired to over 2400 degrees Fahrenheit, which ensures durability and safety for functional pieces like teapots, bowls, and dinnerware. Our glazes are carefully selected and tested to meet food safety standards, making them perfect for everyday use.
Otis Pottery has been operating in northern Michigan for 28 years. David and June Otis started their pottery journey over 40 years ago in Germany before opening their studio in East Jordan, Michigan in 1988. Their son Andrew has been creating with them for the past 16 years, continuing the family tradition of handmade excellence.
We create both decorative and functional items. David specializes in functional work including teapots and serving pieces, June creates hand-built figures and framed pieces, and Andrew creates large-scale decorative vessels ranging from 3 to 6 feet tall. Our collection includes over 50 original products available in three different glaze colors.
Each piece is handthrown or handbuilt using traditional methods with stoneware or porcelain clay. We glaze our work in original colors and finish pieces through hand painting or spraying. Our pieces are fired in wood, gas, and electric kilns to ensure the highest quality and durability.
We're located on a 100-year-old homestead, 2 miles south of Ironton Ferry on Highway M-66 North, between Charlevoix and East Jordan, Michigan. Our studio features a gallery and gardens showcasing functional items, decorative pieces, wall-hangings, and large-scale work. We're open every day during summer—we'd love to have you visit!