Business Details
39 Years
experience
Handcrafted Ceramic Art & Custom Pottery in Hollywood, MD
Founded in 1987, Sarah Houde Pottery has been crafting unique ceramic art inspired by nature and the marine environment for over 35 years. Our studio specializes in hand-thrown stoneware fish platters, oyster plates, and decorative serving pieces that combine functionality with intricate textures derived from shells, starfish, and handmade stamps. We offer custom commission work for dinnerware sets, special occasion pieces, and environmental awards, ensuring each creation reflects the client's vision. Our process involves meticulous hand-carving, layering, and glazing techniques to produce one-of-a-kind vessels and sculptures. With a background in marine biology, we bring scientific precision to artistic expression, creating pieces that celebrate natural forms.Our work is available through our Hollywood, MD studio by appointment, select galleries, and juried art shows across Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. We provide shipping options for all items and maintain transparency in our production timelines, with most custom orders completed within 4-6 weeks. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is demonstrated through our 100% handmade approach and personalized service. We actively participate in local art communities and maintain strict health protocols for in-person visits.
Services
Custom Pottery
Ceramic Art
Commissioned Pieces
Fish Platters
Oyster Plates
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in ceramic art creation
- Our work combines marine biology expertise with artistic craftsmanship
- We offer fully customizable commission services for special occasions
- Our unique texturing techniques capture authentic natural patterns
- We maintain direct customer communication throughout the creation process
Services
Custom Pottery
We create bespoke ceramic pieces tailored to client specifications. Our process includes initial consultation, design development, and handcrafted production using traditional pottery techniques. Each item receives individual attention to ensure it meets functional requirements while maintaining artistic integrity.
Fish Platters
Hand-thrown stoneware platters shaped like marine species including flounder, striped bass, and salmon. We use authentic textures derived from shells and sea life to create functional art pieces that combine natural beauty with everyday utility in our Hollywood, MD studio.
Oyster Plates
We produce intricately carved serving plates featuring marine motifs like starfish and barnacles. Our oyster plates incorporate gold and mother-of-pearl lusters for decorative enhancement while maintaining practical serving functionality through our specialized texturing process.
Ceramic Sculptures
We create textured wall hangings and sculptural vessels using slab construction techniques. Our process involves pressing natural elements into clay surfaces to produce detailed marine-inspired patterns that transform functional pottery into display-worthy art pieces.
Art Shows
We participate in regional art shows and gallery exhibitions across Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Our annual studio sale in Hollywood, MD provides direct access to our latest creations while featured gallery shows offer curated collections for art enthusiasts.
People
Sarah Houde
Owner & Lead Artist
Sarah Houde is a ceramic artist with over 35 years of experience creating marine-inspired pottery. She transitioned from marine biology to full-time ceramics in 1985, developing specialized techniques for capturing natural textures in clay. Her work has been featured in regional galleries and art shows.
Questions
What types of custom pottery can you create?
We create custom dinnerware sets, special occasion pieces, environmental awards, and decorative items. If it fits in our kiln, we can make it to your specifications.
How long does custom pottery take to complete?
Most custom orders take 4-6 weeks. Some simpler pieces can be completed more quickly - contact us for specific timelines.
Where can I view your work in person?
Our Hollywood, MD studio is open by appointment. We also exhibit at North End Gallery in Leonardtown, MD and participate in art shows in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia.
Do you offer shipping for purchased items?
Yes, we ship all items. Contact us with your location for shipping cost calculation based on weight and destination.
What safety measures are in place for studio visits?
We require masks and social distancing during studio visits. Curbside pickup is available for those preferring contact-free options.
What inspires your ceramic designs?
Our work draws inspiration from marine environments, featuring textures and patterns derived from shells, starfish, and other natural elements found in coastal ecosystems.