Since 1976, Clay Bay Pottery has been an art destination for Door County visitors.
How it all started.
From Decorah, Iowa.
The journey to become professional pottery artists started at Luther College in Decorah, IA where Jeanne received a BA in Studio Art and K-12 Education and David completed art studies with a pottery emphasis.
To Guerneville, California.
They continued to broaden their skills by attending trainings in the Redwoods at the studio of Bauhaus-trained Marguerite Wildenhain. For multiple summers, they studied at Pond Farm School, Guerneville, CA.
And finally, Door County.
David and Jeanne Aurelius opened the doors of Clay Bay Pottery on Memorial Day 1976. This year they celebrate 48 years of welcoming customers, who return time and again, in search of a unique piece of Clay Bay Pottery to cherish and enjoy.
Jeanne’s Work - Naturally Whimsical
Jeanne’s work reflects her devotion to and delight in the nature surrounding their rural shop and studio. Birds, birch trees, iconic Door County shorelines, and woodland wildflowers decorate her functional platters, bowls, coffee cups and vases.
David’s Work - Gracefully Abstract
In a nice balance to Jeanne’s representational work, David’s work is more abstract creating hand-built vases, serving platters, bowls, decorative vessels, and tiles. His work features unique design and glazes.
The Gallery Welcomes You
In addition to their own pottery, Clay Bay proudly exhibits the work of other midwest artists, ranging from pottery to prints, jewelry, fabric arts, notecards and children’s books.