A FAMILY OF ARTISTS
We invite you to visit our studio, nestled in the pristine forest along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, to find a family of artists creating high fire stoneware pottery.
Inspired by the beauty of their natural surroundings, the artists incorporate the cool blue of Lake Michigan’s waters, the rich brown of the forest floor, and the deep green of the leaves and pines. Look closely and you’ll notice textures from the bark patterns of the native tree species and the feathers of the birds that serenade you during your visit. Stroll around the grounds and appreciate the quiet beauty of western Michigan, and stop in the studio to select your own unique souvenir of this special place.
Laurie Pounder, Co-Founder & Co-Owner
Laurie has an art education degree from Calvin College and has always loved the interaction with customers and sharing her craft with them. Since establishing the current studio, she has found inspiration for her pots from the shorelines and dune forests of West Michigan.
ADAM MERTEN, co-owner
Adam has been with Claybanks Pottery since 1996, starting as a clay mixer and apprentice. Over the years he has learned the art of throwing and creative expression from Steve, Laurie, and host of other potters and artists in the community. He loves to try new things and turn artistic ideas into realities at the wheel, often while customers watch.
OUR HISTORY
Claybanks Pottery was originally founded in 1977 by Steve and Laurie Pounder. Over the years, the business has grown and changed, as have our artists and their families!
Laurie Pounder, who’s been here from the very beginning, has enjoyed running the business and passing along her knowledge to the next generation of potters. She’s looking forward to slowly stepping away from ownership and management and spending more of her time creating beautiful pottery and working directly with our customers.
Steve Pounder is no longer actively associated with Claybanks, but we’re grateful to him for his lasting contributions to our business and knowledge of our craft.
Adam Merten, who joined us as an apprentice in 1996, is now a co-owner. His children have grown up in our studio and they help us out as valuable members of our summer staff.
get to know the entire
CLAYBANKS POTTERY STAFF
Sara Smith
Studio Manager
Sara is the face you will most often see when first arriving at our studio.
Sparky, arlo, Pickles & Howie
official greeters and instant best pals
Our furry family members round out our team as the best greeters one could ever ask for. We are lovers of dogs and have had many special fur friends with us running the shop over the years. Sparky is our sweetest old fella and can be found soaking up a ray of sunshine ready for some pets. Golden retrievers Pickles and Howie are littermates and play just about as hard and silly as a brother and sister can. They are in training as greeters and welcome a pause to throw their favorite ball or give them some belly rubs! Arlo is the fierce leader of the world, or so he thinks, and will follow you around the studio helping you pick out only the finest pottery! If your visit would be more pleasant without a furry guide or game of fetch, just let us know and we are always happy to send the dogs down for a nap in the basement while you visit.
Alyssa Merten
marketing manager
Alyssa has been associated with Claybanks Pottery for most of her life. In her current role, she serves as marketing manager for Claybanks and chaos coordinator for the Merten household. Alyssa is Adam’s wife and mom to most of our summer staff! She enjoys helping with all aspects of the business - she occasionally fills in as a sales associate and is involved with just about every task that does NOT involve clay! Her artistic contributions are best suited to photographing pottery and managing social media and marketing.