5 Indianapolis Potters to Set Your Holiday Table

There’s a movement in home goods away from the temporary or easily broken and toward the heirloom. We’ll probably never return to the cabinet of fine china that our parents kept seemingly for display use only, but recent trends toward rustic and classic styles mean that lifetime pieces are coming back into fashion.

This is great news for local craftsmen and for your pocketbook– the name-brand tableware is often priced similarly to your friendly neighborhood potter. Buying local means the money goes back into your community, and you get a beautiful, unique piece to set your table this holiday season. You heard it here, folks. Tablescaping supports a circular economy. 

In the spirit of buying the best from local artisans, here are 5 spots for local Indianapolis pottery that made it onto our wish list this year (and when they’re having their holiday sales): 

Alley Cat Ceramics

Eastsiders know alley cat ceramics as a staple of the art community off of Washington street. Alongside ceramics courses, Alley Cat serves up some beautiful pieces, ready for your table. This Small Business Saturday, November 30, Alley Cat will be hosting a Mug Market at their shop on E. Michigan St.

Rebecca Graves / Gravesco 

Just a few blocks away from Alley Cat is Gravesco, the ceramics and gifts storefront/pottery workshop of local artist Rebecca Graves. Graves’ style is distinguished by earth tones and natural shapes– we love this unique oil lamp as one option for rustic tablescaping. Gravesco is also planning on a Sale for Small Business Saturday on November 30. 

Fountain Square Clay Center 

The Fountain Square Clay Center is a hub of local artisans who teach and hone their craft all in one space. Owner and founder Chris DePrez has curated a space that primarily hosts classes and gallery shows in coordination with the Indy Clay Cooperative. However, they also host a few “Seconds Sales” throughout the year. This month, their Holiday Sale on November 30 will be the perfect opportunity to build a collection of locally crafted tableware all in one space. 

Yellow Door Ceramics 

Originally founded by potters Felissa King and Amanda Pennington, Yellow Door Ceramics is well-known for beginner clay courses and an open, welcoming environment. On December 8, they’ll open their doors for their Holiday Sale, featuring not only the bright, floral works of Felissa Joy Ceramics and geometric pastel offerings of Amanda Pennington but also work from their instructors and fellow potters from the Indianapolis community.

A Question of Eagles

In Broad Ripple is another consistent source of beautiful rustic ceramics via A Question of Eagles. Their offerings include pieces for the kitchen as well as the dining room table– with handcrafted pouring bottles, spoon rests, and pinch pots to adorn your kitchen and gorgeous speckled crocks that can safely carry cobblers through the oven to the holiday dinner table. Their line of ceramics is available online and in-store at the Prairie General on E 54th St.

Are local artisans appearing on your table this holiday season? Share it with us on social media @EdibleIndy. Happy hosting!