Family Story

Otis Pottery · Family Story

Family Story

Three generations of potters shaping clay into functional art — from our family to yours.

Discover Our Story

Welcome to Otis Pottery

At Otis Pottery, we believe the items you use in your home should be beautiful as well as practical. For the past 38 years, we have been situated in northern Michigan, making handmade, decorative and functional items in our studio outside of East Jordan. Each piece of pottery is handthrown or handbuilt, glazed in one of our original glaze colors, and hand painted or sprayed to add interest. All of our pieces are high-fired to over 2400 degrees Fahrenheit, which means they can withstand the heat from your oven, dishwasher, or microwave. They are all food safe and lead free. Browse over 50 original products in three different glaze colors (or come visit our shop in Michigan to see a variety of additional colors and styles).

David and June Otis, Owners & Artists
David & June Otis
Owners & Artists · Since 1988
A Family Business

David and June Otis began work in clay more than 50 years ago in Germany and opened their studio-gallery in East Jordan, Michigan, in 1988. David focuses on beautiful functional work, including his one-of-a-kind teapots, while June crafts intricate hand-built figures and framed pieces.

For the past 26 years, their son, Andrew Otis, has been working with them in the studio, and he now has his own line of decorative large-scale vessels. His pieces range from 3-foot tall garden fountains to 6-foot tall decorative vases all with original colors, carvings, and sculptures.

Traditional Methods
⚱️ stoneware · porcelain · wood, gas & electric kilns

Over the years we have used a variety of different techniques to create the unique line of pottery. Each piece is handcrafted from stoneware or porcelain clay. We fire the pieces in wood, gas, and electric kilns. High-fired to over 2400°F, every item is durable, food-safe, and made to last generations. Our glazes are mixed in-house, producing rich, original colors that you won't find anywhere else.

From functional dinnerware to sculptural accents, each piece carries the spirit of northern Michigan's landscape — earthy, honest, and timeless.

✨ Studio signature glazes: forest green, driftwood grey, deep rust, and creamy oatmeal — each hand-sprayed or brushed for unique variations. Every mug, bowl, and platter is one-of-a-kind.

Andrew Otis, Potter

Andrew Otis

Potter & large-scale vessel artist

Second generation ceramic artist creating monumental garden fountains, 6-foot vases, and sculptural installations.

Explore Andrew's collection →

🌿 Come and Visit

Lovely gardens, a welcoming atmosphere, and distinctive artwork make Otis Pottery a perfect outing. The home and studio-gallery are situated on a 100-year-old homestead just two miles south of the Ironton Ferry on Hwy. M 66 North.

📍 2 miles south of Ironton Ferry • East Jordan, Michigan

🕰️ May–December: Thurs–Sat 10am–5pm & by appointment