Kalamazoo, MI — Everyone is pretty familiar with the Kalamazoo area’s reputation for craft beverages — from beer to spirits to mead to hard cider.
When consuming quality drinks, it’s only fitting to have stylish, hand-crafted drinkware to pair with the liquid.
Here is a quick rundown of some Kalamazoo-area artists crafting some wonderful vessels for your drink of choice:
Eric Strader Pottery
About: If you’ve spent any time shopping at the Bell’s General Store or admired the mugs at Paw Paw Brewing Co., then you’re looking at the work of Eric Strader. This Plainwell-based potter has produced mugs and pints for Bell’s for many years, as well as Paw Paw Brewing Co.’s mug club memberships. You can see updates items on his Facebook page.
Where: Plainwell
Contact: 269-330-1274 or ericstrader69@gmail.com
Grayling Ceramics
About: Kalamazoo artists Maura and Shay Church somewhat recently moved into a new space at 814 Palmer Ave. in Kalamazoo to keep up with the demand for their rustic pottery. After 15 years of making mugs, steins, howlers and growlers, as well as other home items, Grayling has amassed quite a following. The company also boasts a user-friendly website for those looking to have items delivered.
Where: 814 Palmer Ave., Kalamazoo
Contact: graylingceramics@gmail.com
About: Combined, Judith Konesni and Michael Fortin boast more than five decades of glass-blowing experience. From their home studio, the duo produce a variety of glass pieces for the home, garden or office, as well as series of vibrantly-colored pints, steins and their take on a high ball glass. Their pieces are displayed prominently at Final Gravity Brewing Co. and Tantrick Brewing Co. in Allegan, among other locations. The couple makes glass pieces from their home studio and feature a retail location in the Park Trades Center in Downtown Kalamazoo.
Where: Park Trades Center, 436 N. Park St., suite 122, Downtown Kalamazoo
Contact: 269-385-3350 or avolioglass@gmail.com
