the pottery

We offer single-origin pottery from the bluffs of the Illinois River. Our forms compliment flowers and tablescapes, including bud vases and taper holders.

News 11/10/2025:

Holiday Sales:

12/6 & 7 Brushwood Center, Riverwoods IL

The first Wild Clay Art Camp was a great success! Next camp will be in spring 2026. To stay in the loop, follow & subscribe!

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wcac schedule

Dennis Monn

I grew up admiring the indigenous pottery at Dickson Mounds Museum and was amazed that these objects were made with just the earth beneath our feet-- and fire! I studied ceramics at Western Illinois University, where I fell in love with wheel throwing and discovered wild clay. I create work that is rooted in a sense of place and entirely made from the resources available on our flower farm. I am inspired by the flowers to make delicate, sexy forms.

our wild clay

Rather than commercial clay, I use wild clay directly dug from the earth at our flower farm. First the clay is dried out in the sun for several days. Then I grind small clumps in a crank corn grinder. This powder is rehydrated into a consistency that is conducive to wheel throwing. The newly rehydrated clay is wrapped and sealed before it sits for weeks. Ancient civilizations allowed their clay to sit untouched for generations, so the longer the better! The clay is fired to vitrification, over 2000 degrees, turning into rich brown ceramic that is impervious to water, making them excellent fresh flower vases.