Gary Mitchell

At age 14, Gary Mitchell was first introduced to pottery by a local flea market dealer. In 1989, at age 31, Gary went to Charlie Lisk's pottery sale, hoping to come away with some Christmas Presents. He drew next to the highest number and went home with one single miniature.

Using Terry Zug's, "TURNERS AND BURNERS," for a pottery Bible and much help from Charlie Lisk, Gary tried his own hand at pottery. A second attempt to build a groundhog kiln was successful, and he fired his first load in 1992.

Gary is known for his horizontal or banded swirlware as well as diagonal swirls. His productions are alkaline glazed utilitarian vessels, as well as long-nosed face vessels and snake vessels.

"A great hobbie and part-time vocation" is how Gary views his craft. He is very proud to make pottery the old-fashioned way. His wheel, kiln, and tools are all hand made.