Michael and Michele Gwinup established Blue Spruce Pottery in 1976. It is a family owned and operated business located in Bend Oregon USA, between the Cascade Mountains and high desert of Central Oregon. This beautiful landscape inspires much of the imagery and forms and textures that they use to make their Raku and Stoneware Pottery. Their daughter Melissa started working in clay at a young age and since graduating from Art school in 2002, she and her husband Patrick have been an essential part of Blue Spruce Pottery.
All of their pottery is made on a potters wheel or hand built from slabs of clay. All of the clay and glazes are made using their special formulas that have been developed over the past 30 years. All glazes are lead free and non toxic. All stoneware is dishwasher, oven and microwave safe.
The folks at Blue Spruce Pottery take much care with each piece that they make and they hope that their art brings enjoyment and happiness into your home.
Keywords: pottery,raku,stoneware,hand made,vase,mug, dinnerware,wedding registry,home decor,art,wall art,
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
40 years
What is your primary product or service?
We make functional stoneware; dinnerware, serving and bakeware. Our decorative Raku pottery includes lamps, vases and wall plates.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
We got interested in pottery in college, moved to Bend in 1976 and started our business.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
All of our clay and glazes are unique formulations developed over the last 40 years. Our stoneware is ovenproof, dishwasher and microwave safe.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We work strictly out of our home studio. Our daughter Melissa and her husband Patrick Woodman, joined the business in 2002.
Provide detailed directions to your location
Customers may come by appointment only. Please call ahead for directions
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept Visa, MaterCard, discover, American Express, PayPal, Personal Checks, and Cash
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Michael & Michele Gwinup
What are your hours of operation?
We are open to the public by appointment only
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
When a customer came to replace their favorite mug that we had made and they had used for over 10 years