Pewabic Pottery — Attraction in Detroit

Many years ago, I was in downtown Detroit on St. Patrick’s Day. My family, being the type to enjoy both libations and the fine arts in equal measure, decided to go from HopCat…to Pewabic, of all places. It made perfect sense at the time. I wasn’t exactly drunk, but I wasn’t exactly sober either. While appraising a sugar bowl I fully intended to buy, my tipsy ham-hands dropped the lid onto the stone floor. Miraculously, it didn’t shatter; it split into three clean pieces. I stood there, mortified, as if a giant neon sign had appeared above my head blinking OVER-SERVED. A very kind and gracious staff member heard the soft crash and approached. She gently said, “It’s okay! Typically, when this happens, we just ask that you pay half.” So basically, I got the sugar bowl I was already planning to buy for 50% off. Since the lid was only somewhat fractured, I glued it back together with ceramic epoxy. I kept it for another five years, until our cleaning guy accidentally broke it whilst doing his rounds. He offered to pay for it. I laughed, replied, “Hell no,” and told him the same story. Then I placed a hand on his shoulder and said, “I think it’s trying to tell us something. It’s ready to fly off to the big kiln in the sky.” We wiped our tears, played Taps, and let it go. Now, I’m not saying you should go around gently breaking things at Pewabic to snag a sweet discount. I’m just saying that’s a very understanding policy for a pottery studio to have. And I have plenty of other things from here that I paid full price for without a second thought, especially gifts. You know that family member or friend who is impossible to buy for? They already have everything, or they’re too picky, or you just don’t know them well enough yet to get a good read? Buy them something mid-range at Pewabic. It will be one-of-a-kind, timeless, artsy, AND functional. I swear on my life, this has worked for at least four different pain-in-the-ass gift recipients. They all still display their Pewabic pieces proudly, as if they'd snatched them in a fevered bidding war at Sotheby’s. Someday, when I hit it big, my dream is to own a sprawling home in Indian Village (painted matte black, much to the dismay of the local historical society). My gothic mansion will be kitted out with Pewabic tile in every room, and I’ll begin pronouncing the word “vase” in the most pretentious way imaginable. People will never guess I started life Downriver. In my spare time, I’ll volunteer at the nearby Waldorf school, teaching children calligraphy, rosemaling, and eurhythmy. I’ll host lavish picnics on Belle Isle featuring a menu of duck confit sliders with foie gras aioli, black truffle deviled quail eggs, and a giant macaron sculpted to resemble the Uniroyal Tire. All washed down with champagne sabraged with an ice-skate. I mean, it’s not like I’ve given it a ton of thought or anything. Just a...

I am all for supporting artisans, particularly Detroit-based craftspeople. But I am all for good customer service as well, and at Pewabic apparently you can't have both. While in the store in Sept. I left my name and number and asked for a call when a $100 tile I wanted to give as a Christmas gift was in (they were out of stock). Weeks later I popped into the store only to be told that the 20 that were made had been bought by the Detroit Zoo and my name and number had been lost in the shuffle. I left my information with them again and called a couple weeks later; the person to whom I spoke had no idea who I was and no record of my TWO requests for the tile, so I paid for it over the phone ($106) and was told that the tile would be ready in plenty of time for Christmas. During EACH OF SIX ensuing phone calls I was placed on hold for extended periods because no one could find a record of my purchase without consulting others before promising to call me back, promising the tile would be ready. At one point I was told that they would fire three tiles and that I should call the W before Christmas to be sure at least one survived the kiln. When I spoke to a representative on W, she said that they never fire just three tiles and the employee who said they would was new and just "trying to please you." Well, I was NOT pleased to learn that I was being lied to and strung along to placate me in the short-term and ruin a Christmas surprise--and my opinion of this business--in the long term. There is no clear chain of command, no effective records system and no internal communication in this business. I will continue to enjoy the Pewabic tiles in my home but I will not add any others to...

I’ve been visiting Pewabic Pottery for many years, and it continues to be one of my favorite places in Detroit. Every time I go, I’m struck by the beauty and craftsmanship of the pieces—each one feels like a work of art with its own character and story. Whether it’s tiles, vases, or unique decorative pieces, I always find something special to take home or gift to others.

The historic building and studio add to the charm, and you can feel the legacy of Detroit’s art and culture in every corner. The staff are always welcoming, knowledgeable, and happy to share insights about the process and history behind the work.

If you love art, history, and craftsmanship, Pewabic is a true Detroit gem that never...