Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike And Suzanne Amann.
Hi Mike and Suzanne, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When Suzanne and I met and decided to marry, we lived quite far from each other. So, the plan was to buy a home in the country with some land and a barn so we could build a pottery studio for her. She was an accomplished potter before we met. After we purchased our home with the barn, I built out a small studio for her in one third of the barn. The rest of the barn housed chickens, goats, and a workshop for myself.
Well, she started to get requests from friends to teach them pottery. She loves to teach and has taught at other studios and a community college in the past. The business began to slowly grow, and we kept expanding the studio as needed. Eventually, we relocated the goats, chickens, and my workshop to other buildings on our property and expanded the studio into the entire barn.
Fast forward to today, and the studio has grown to include twelve 8-week classes per year, private and group lessons, couples pottery nights, company pottery events, and a community of potters that rent studio space. We also do some art shows, as well as an event called the Cracked Pot Studio Tour, which is a group of participating studios in our area that host tours and sell pottery to the public every year on the 3rd weekend of September.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There has definitely been some struggles and long hours. I knew nothing about pottery so I have had to learn a lot about running a studio. Mixing glazes, recycling clay, building out the studio, repairing kilns and pottery wheels, it’s all been quite a journey.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a full-service pottery studio serving our local area of Howell, Michigan, and neighboring cities. We teach wheel throwing and hand building using high-quality pottery equipment. We are not a “paint your pottery” facility but rather are dedicated to teaching the entire pottery experience.
We offer 8-week classes, pottery couples nights, group and private lessons, host company events, and provide rental space for experienced potters. We also offer specialized workshops and Raku firings. We are a studio that takes beginning students and helps them grow into accomplished potters. We promote a friendly, supportive, and inclusive culture.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Suzanne grew up in a family of artists. Her brother is a talented painter and art director, and so was her father. Her aunt is a ceramics artist, and her grandmother was a painter. Growing up, Suzanne tried ballet, piano, and other art forms, but nothing stuck. At one point in her life, she lived with her aunt, who taught her ceramics, and she found her calling. Some other activities she enjoys are fishing, swimming, nature, and hiking.
I have always been interested in working on cars, building things from wood, and repairing things. I have a small side business engraving stone by sandblasting. I love working with my hands, so pottery is a natural fit for me. I love the outdoors, including mountain biking, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and anything that gets me outside.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oakgrovepottery.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093040437586
