A local couple with dreams of making Georgian Bay a pottery destination are opening their own studio next week, and plan to bring Collingwood’s pottery past into the future through their efforts.
Kelly and Craig Bradley launched Georgian Bay Pottery in May 2022 on the heels of the worst of the pandemic. Kelly is the artistic force behind the signature blue pieces that mark the brand, while Craig acts as the operations manager for the business. The week of Jan. 9, the couple will open their new, 3,500-square-foot teaching studio space at 11 Ronell Cres.
“I really like the dirt part of it. I like being in the mud. I’ve always enjoyed pottery and collected it, but I was teaching in Dubai and they had a pottery studio there and I used it and fell in love,” Kelly told CollingwoodToday.
“During COVID, I decided this is what I wanted to do, every day.”
The handmade signature pottery portion of the business — all handcrafted by Kelly — started small in May. However, the business progressed quickly with the Bradleys fielding requests for handmade pottery across Ontario and internationally. Kelly also has contracts with local businesses to create pottery for their brands, including a collaboration with Northwinds Brewery to build steins.
“It’s such a supportive community. People here really like to support local artisans,” said Kelly. “We love our town.”
The new studio space includes a gift store featuring Kelly’s pieces, a 16-space pottery wheel studio for special classes, workshops and community events, a kiln room and a glazing bar. Kelly’s personal studio is also located on site. The duo have done some renovations to the space to make it fully wheelchair accessible as well.
“We want to build a very vibrant community here, where people are learning from each other, sharing and growing together,” said Kelly.
Memberships will be sold for access to the studio space, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. There will be six formal classes a week at varying times. When the classes launch, they will be led by Kelly. However, she notes some heavyweight potters will also guest teach from time to time to share their wisdom and knowledge on the history of pottery.
Pottery has had a rich history in South Georgian Bay, with major players such as Blue Mountain Pottery and Leishman Pottery in Stayner putting the area on the map.
Blue Mountain Pottery closed in 2004, while the owners of Leishman Pottery, Mike and Connie Leishman, closed their doors to retire in May 2022.
One of the features of Georgian Bay Pottery the Bradleys say sets them apart is they procured a pugmill that allows them to recycle and reuse clay, and they will be reusing some of the old equipment and leftover/recycled clay from the Leishman brand.
“It’s user-friendly and environmentally friendly,” said Craig. “It’s also a great legacy. (The Leishman brand) had been around for 45 years. Allowing us to use that clay continues their legacy.”
“It’s a really good learning philosophy,” added Kelly.
The couple says they are “over the moon” to be moving forward on their journey, and to become a key part of the pottery scene in Georgian Bay.
“Collingwood has been so instrumental in the pottery industry over the years,” said Craig. “We’re excited about the next chapter.”
“I want to see pottery thrive here. I want to make us a destination for people,” said Kelly.
More information on Georgian Bay Pottery can be found here.
