Business Details
Handcrafted Pottery & Art Gallery in Munising, MI
At Open Wings Pottery, we combine decades of artistic experience with a deep commitment to sustainable living. Our journey began with a shared passion for creating functional beauty through pottery, fiber arts, and organic gardening. Located on our homestead along H-58 in Munising, Michigan, we craft high-fired stoneware designed for everyday use while showcasing work from over a dozen local artists. Our pieces emphasize ergonomic design, natural materials, and visual interest through texture and color. We integrate garment and weaving design elements into ceramics, repurpose vintage materials for fiber art, and maintain an organic garden that supplies seasonal produce.With backgrounds in fine arts and hands-on craftsmanship, we prioritize quality, durability, and artistic integrity in every creation. Our gallery space reflects our values of community connection, environmental stewardship, and celebrating regional artistry. Through pottery demonstrations, seasonal product offerings, and educational insights into our creative process, we aim to inspire appreciation for handmade goods and mindful living.
Services
Pottery
Art Gallery
Organic Produce
Home Goods
Seasonal Products
Highlights and features
- We combine 20+ years of professional art experience with functional pottery design
- Our kiln-fired stoneware meets durability standards for daily use
- We integrate fiber art techniques into ceramic surface design
- Our homestead practices sustainable gardening and material sourcing
- We showcase work from multiple regional artists alongside our pottery
Services
Pottery
Our high-fired stoneware combines functionality with artistic design. Each piece undergoes multiple firing stages at 2300F for durability. We create tableware, bakeware, and decorative items with food-safe glazes in natural tones.
Art Gallery
We showcase works from over a dozen regional artists alongside our pottery. The gallery features jewelry, woven textiles, woodenware, and photography that reflect Upper Peninsula culture and natural beauty.
Organic Produce
Our certified organic garden supplies seasonal vegetables, herbs, and fruits. We use sustainable growing practices without synthetic pesticides, emphasizing heirloom varieties suited to northern climates.
Fiber Art
We create wearable art using recycled fabrics and vintage materials. Our fiber art includes repurposed garments, knitted accessories, and home textiles that blend traditional techniques with modern aesthetics.
Seasonal Products
We offer limited-time items like homemade jams, baked goods, and holiday pottery. These products utilize garden harvests and regional ingredients, available during peak growing seasons and holidays.
People
Jill Zwemer Baugnet
Co-Owner & Ceramic Artist
Northern Michigan native with fine arts degree from NMU. Specializes in pottery glazing techniques and fiber art repurposing vintage materials. Combines organic forms with functional design in ceramic pieces.
Thomas Baugnet
Co-Owner & Master Potter
Self-taught potter with 20+ years experience. Develops clay body recipes and firing processes. Focuses on ergonomic pottery design that balances artistic freedom with functional requirements.
Questions
What types of pottery do you create?
We produce functional stoneware including tableware, bakeware, and home decor. Our pieces feature hand-mixed glazes and ergonomic designs for daily use.
Do you sell other artists' work?
Yes, our gallery showcases jewelry, woven textiles, woodenware, and photography from over a dozen local Upper Peninsula artists.
Are your products food safe?
All pottery uses lead-free, food-safe glazes. Our organic produce follows certified growing practices without synthetic chemicals.
What are your seasonal product offerings?
We offer garden produce during growing seasons and holiday-themed pottery. Limited-time baked goods and preserves use homegrown ingredients.
Can I visit your studio?
Our gallery operates Friday-Sunday 11am-4pm at H-58, 2.5 miles east of Munising's roundabout. Check our website for seasonal closures.
Do you offer pottery classes?
We currently focus on creating rather than teaching, but our website details pottery processes and material sources for enthusiasts.
Reviews (6)
Natasha Monahan
Oct 19, 2021
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I love this shop! Been stopping in for the better part of 5 years every time we're up there. I love being able to support local artists and am always happy to find the prices reasonable but respectful of the artists' hardwork. Thank you!
Misty Villanueva
Aug 30, 2021
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I could spend all day looking at the unique one of a kind art pieces. A great place to go to buy a special gift.
Martin Gray
Aug 17, 2021
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Thank you Linda for taking my order over the phone. I had a 2nd women help me when we arrived, sorry i forgot your name, but she was awesome with helping me surprise my wife with her anniversary present. This is a very friendly establishment.
Yvonne C.
Aug 05, 2021
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Wonderful little gem. There is a small but well curated collection of beautifully unique ceramics made by local artists, and a cute array of other art pieces as well. The staff is friendly and the prices are pretty standard for artisan work.
Linda VanderWeide Najar
Jul 21, 2021
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A wide variety of beautiful art from local artists - many unique pieces from a lot of different mediums - pottery, wood, yarn, copper, stone, photography, watercolor- so much to look at & buy
Jim Pioch
Jul 20, 2021
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Looking for something unique and someone you can talk to about the merchandise? Look no further... You may be challenged by the road work in the area but don't let that hamper your quest for something special. This shop features many artists and art you don't see just anywhere. Don't worry about this being just another souvenir shop. You won't be disappointed!
