A space for local creatives to display their passions

Rachel Sankey

Staff

February 21, 2024

ALGOMA — Like many other organizations, Karen Newquist said The Pottery CO-OP in Algoma “started as an answer to a need.”

The co-op was started by Ellen Levenhagen and Mark Kolinski, owners of Clay on Steele — a working pottery studio and gallery — and a group of local potters.

“They worked abroad, and a relative of theirs who had been managing the gallery and studio was ready to move on,” Newquist, a member of The Pottery CO-OP, said. “Mark and Ellen felt an entity that could operate independently within their space, ideally, would be a co-op.”

For Levenhagen and Kolinski, Newquist said starting the co-op was a natural transition, as there was already a group of potters working in the studio, located at 221 Steele St. in Algoma.

“The Pottery CO-OP incubated in Clay on Steele, and we grew it — at one point — to 13 members,” she said. “We had a gallery and six wheels to use, and we offered classes for beginner levels, fun levels and all levels.”

Over the years, Newquist said the pottery group also hosted several different events to get the community involved, such as raku nights and ornament painting.

“A true hallmark of the co-op were our raku nights, which operated on the first Friday (of each month),” she said. “People purchased a bisqued piece of pottery for $10 and glazed it themselves and watched it being fired outdoors. Then they had the immediate gratification of being able to take it home that night.”

Ornament painting, she said, was a fan favorite for kids, and “were extremely successful.”

During the co-op’s time at Clay on Steele, Newquist said one of the potters’ biggest accomplishments was building their wood-fired kiln, which resides on one of the member’s properties.

“That is no small accomplishment,” she said. “It’s a large structure made out of brick. When you do a firing with a wood-fired kiln, you’re constantly feeding it with wood to get the temperature up to a high degree. The pottery that comes out of it has a different look than a pot fired in an electric kiln.”

A new location
When Levenhagen and Kolinski returned from working abroad to reclaim their studio, Newquist said it gave The Pottery CO-OP a chance to spread its wings and move into its own space in 2021 — located at 610 4th St.

Though the co-op’s new location “is the best possible retail space,” she said there is not enough space for the group to have a studio.

“We all have our own studios in our homes — and that includes wheels, kilns and glazes,” she said.

Since the move in 2021, Newquist said the co-op has dropped from 13 members to six.

The Pottery CO-OP currently has six members who make a variety of different kinds of pieces. Photo Courtesy of The Pottery CO-OP

And, without the studio space, the group has been unable to continue with as many community events that require the use of a pottery wheel and kiln.

“We are (looking for) ways to outreach to the community when we only have a brick-and-mortar retail store,” she said.

To keep the people of Algoma connected, Newquist said the co-op has honed in on one of its strengths — creativity — and has hosted new events that work within the confines of the new space.

“We had a pumpkin painting contest this (last) fall,” she said. “We’re participating in Youth Art Month-we will be showing student art. We’re thrilled about that.”

The co-op, Newquist said, is also working on a way to involve the community directly in the art process by making a clay totem pole.

“People (would be) making parts of it so when it’s finished, we’re exhibiting something that has been a hands-on community project,” she said.

Fulfilling a creative need, community support
From its original location inside Clay on Steele to its current location on 4th Street, Newquist said The Pottery CO-OP has provided a space for local makers to showcase their work and passions.

“We can be as creative as we want,” she said. “And our work runs the gamut from whimsical to classical pottery.”

When customers come into the co-op, she said they can expect to find an array of different pottery items, such as cats, bowls, piggy banks and mugs.

Newquist said having a space for the potters wouldn’t be possible without the support the co-op receives from the community.

Karen Newquist said it’s important to the co-op to get the local community involved. Pictured here is one of the co-op’s past ornament decorating events for children and families. Photo Courtesy of The Pottery CO-OP

“I think we’re appreciated in Algoma by the local community,” she said. “Not only in terms of sales, but I think the community has a certain pride in the fact we are there and part of the community. I can’t emphasize enough how well-supported we feel by our community and our chamber of commerce.”

Many locals, Newquist said, are regular customers.

“We have customers who come in regularly who live in town and have certain things they buy from us,” she said. “They have a favorite mug they like to buy. I can’t explain how proud that makes us when a customer comes in (often) to check out if there’s a new mug that meets their specific (taste).”

Newquist said The Pottery CO-OP’s location is also ideally situated when tourists come into town, which has been enjoyable for the members.

“We’ve served as an informal stopping point for people who are visiting,” she said. “We like to tell them where we think the high spots in town are to go and chat with them for a while. It’s great to be an introduction to Algoma.”

To learn more about The Pottery CO-OP and check available retail space, visit its Facebook page.