Interesting and Inspiring Business Owners in the Ohio Valley: East Wheeling Clayworks

I first met Adam and Beth a few years back at a has-been "Tuesdays Together" club. Tuesdays Together was a once per month meeting of creatives and business owners in the Wheeling area. I have been following their business ever since, and knew they would be perfect for my photo project. They built East Wheeling Clayworks from the ground up with talent, passion, and loving hearts.

East Wheeling Clayworks is a working ceramics studio that offers wholesale and retail products. They also sell non-ceramic household items and provide a platform for other local artists to display their work. They do private events, children activities, and Sculpt N' Gulps.

When I arrived at their store front/studio, my first thought was "it smells amazing in here" (I ended up purchasing a handmade stick incense burner and incense they had in stock from a company based in California). I was greeted by Adam, Beth, and their sweet baby girl. I took some photos of a few of their handmade items and then Adam took me downstairs to their studio. He started cutting clay off of a block as we chatted. He placed it on the wheel as we talked about how we went to the same college (shout out to Bethany College!!!)- by then, he was already halfway finished. We talked about photography, pottery, and their histories... then he was finished. He said "there you go... a bowl!" I was thinking "how the hell did he make something so beautiful and perfect in 10 minutes?" Honestly, it may have been less than 10.
I was truly amazed. But artists are amazing. 
After talking with him about all that goes into it, I think pottery is also science. It is weight, measurement, temperatures, glazes, etc. Truly amazing.

I had the honor of meeting a few of their employees and got to know them a bit. Honestly, I could hang out with them all day long. They were all just interesting, kind humans. 
If you haven't been to East Wheeling Clayworks- GO! If you have, GO BACK! They're always creating and stocking new items. Being in their store and around all that amazing art and product is just good for the soul.

Thank you Adam, Beth, and the crew for letting me photograph you, your beautiful space, and for letting me behind the scenes. You are truly a treasure.