Introducing Ed and Kate Coleman

The Bud Vase Series
Approximately 5" - 7" tall, this is a series of bud vases that is a collaboration between Ed and Kate. Each one is handbuilt. They are great for a single flower of found object — sticks, branches, etc. $36

Large Clique Vases
Approximately 12" tall, shown with the regular size clique vase. Each large clique vase is an original one-of-a-kind. $68

Clique Vases
Approximately 8" tall, each clique vase is unique. They come in a variety of textures, forms and glazes. $38

Clique Mugs
Approximately 5" tall, these mugs are oversized for many uses. They are dishwasher and microwave safe. $38

Tumblers
Approximately 7" tall, these tumblers can be used as drinking glasses or vases. $36

Ed and Kate Coleman's work is a collaboration between two artists, separate people with ideas that merge. They believe that life is more beautiful and more livable when surrounded by things that are made by hand. Their work is created for those who search for this quality in fine crafts and objects. They share this connection with those who own their work.

Each piece is one-of-a-kind and handmade in Swannanoa, North Carolina by Ed and Kate. Because of this, their work is sold in assortments. They will always take special requests for colors, designs, and other specifics, but feel the work is stronger when they are given the freedom to create. Each piece is truly a work of art when it is an original.

For more information or for our current selection, call Gallery Fifty at 231-932-0775.

Introducing Cathy Broski

"I enjoy the story and form that grow together as each piece evolves. Creating a connection to my work for the viewer is important to me."


"Play Ball"
The artist found inspiration for this playful pose from her lovable dog, Porter. The natural coloring of the dog is achieved by applying a glaze then wiping the highlights of the texture to leave behind glaze that has a flashing quality. The dog is affixed to the ball with the aide of a steel rod. The ball is filled with sand to create a stable sculpture.
Dimensions: 13.0in H x 9.0in W x 5.0in D
$500


"House of Poppies"
The artist found inspiration for this playful pose from her lovable dog, Porter. The natural coloring of the dog is achieved by applying a glaze then wiping the highlights of the texture to leave behind glaze that has a flashing quality. Each is fired multiple times and is made from stoneware clay.
Dimensions: 16.5in H x 7.0in W x 7.0in D
$650


"Let's Play!"
The artist found inspiration for this playful pose from her lovable dog, Porter. The natural coloring of the dog is achieved by applying a glaze then wiping the highlights of the texture to leave behind glaze that has a flashing quality. The bird is fired separately and attached with wire.
Dimensions: 6.0in H x 6.0in W x 12.0in D
$300


"Heart in Hand"
Each unique hand made sculpture is carved individually from stoneware clay. The surface is achieved by wiping off the high points to leave the glaze in the carved lines. This evokes a found object feel the artist strives for. The heart is fired separate and attached after firing. Each piece is unique, and will vary slightly from that shown. Hearts symbolize the love felt or given.
Dimensions: 4.0in H x 3.0in W x 4.0in L
$100


"Bird in Hand"
Each unique hand made sculpture is carved individually from stoneware clay. The surface is achieved by wiping off the high points to leave the glaze in the carved lines. This evokes a found object feel the artist strives for. The bird is fired separate and is unattached. Each piece is unique, and will vary slightly from that shown. Birds symbolize our inner voice or spirit.
Dimensions: 4.0in H x 3.0in W x 4.0in L
$100


"Safe Landing"
Each unique hand made sculpture is carved individually from stoneware clay. The surface is achieved by wiping off the high points to leave the glaze in the carved lines. This evokes a found object feel the artist strives for. The birds are fired separately and attached after firing. Each piece is unique, and will vary slightly from that shown. Birds symbolize our inner voice or spirit.
Dimensions: 8.0in H x 3.0in W x 3.0in L
$100

Ceramic artist Cathy Broski's work is steeped in archetypal and personal symbolism. Figures, houses, boats and pottery are all vessels to contain things we hold dear, and sometimes those things we would cast off. Cathy chose these forms to work with because they have several levels of meaning she finds intriguing to explore. She loves found objects, because of their wear and marks of their journeys. This is the feel Cathy tries to achieve on her surfaces by using a layering technique.

Cathy begins each piece on the potters wheel or with slabs. The pieces grow with the application of coils or additional slabs. When each piece is completed, She carves or textures the surface. The base colors of terra sigilattas and slips are applied and fired. Once the first firing is complete, Cathy applies and wipes off a combination of stains and glazes, then fires again to cone 6. This process is repeated until the desired effect is achieved.

Since receiving her BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute in 1990, Cathy has worked in the ceramics field in many capacities. Presently she is represented by numerous galleries, teaches several pottery classes, instructs workshops, sells work at art fairs, and has been published in several ceramic periodicals. In 2000, she and her husband built a studio right outside their backdoor. And in 2007 they completed a 40 cu ft gas car kiln.

For more information, or to see Cathy's work, visit Gallery Fifty at the Grand Traverse Commons or call 231-932-0775.

Lively and useful centerpieces

California artist Marge Margulies' work is organic and flowing, often inspired by things such as topographical maps and flower arrangements. Elements of shape are combined, emphasizing fluid forms and rich and subtle color relationships. Each piece is wheel-thrown, then altered or squashed, and painted with colored glazes. They are lightweight as a result of her intention to throw in an even, well-balanced way.

After graduating from the Philadelphia College of Art in 1981 Marge worked for years as a professional studio potter in Philadelphia. In 2008 she moved to northern California where she creates these lively and useful centerpieces.

Any of these stacking sets would make an excellent wedding gift, and we love the 'Happy Couple' pictured at the bottom left as a fun shower gift! Check out our incredible selection of Marge's work at Gallery Fifty Downtown or call 231-946-0610 for more information.

Fun and 'folky'

Pennsylvania artist Ed Brownlee creates functional, joyful ceramics often referencing art history, folk art and cartoons. He creates with the collector in mind. "My pieces are ambassadors of enjoyment and individuality," he says.

His ceramics are wheel thrown stoneware and fired to cone 6. Ed formulates his own glazes and overglazes utilizing a “majolica” technique of overglaze decoration, but at a higher temperature. Ed received his BFA from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1985; MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1987.

Gallery Fifty carries Ed's jars, casserole dishes, teapots and plates. We love his double-sided face cups. Contact us for our current selection: 231-932-0775.

Tiles for the nature enthusiast

Ceramic artist Leif Spörck creates these incredible stonewear tiles with themes dear to any northern Michigan resident. Nature, botanicals, fish and wildlife — each with his unique design and glaze color.

Leif's tiles are approximately 5" x 5" and have a hole on the back for hanging. They are for indoor/ outdoor use. Gallery Fifty always has a great selection of his work. They make great "guy gifts" and are popular with collectors.

Spörck Tileart was founded by Leif Spörck. Being the son of accomplished ceramic artists, Leif has had his hands in clay since he was 2 years old. After receiving his pre-law degree from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, Leif decided to pursue his desire to design and produce a line of artistic ceramic tiles that would reflect his love of the natural environment. He decided to design a line of tiles that represent his perceptions of the colorful wildlife, the blue waters, the verdant farms and the various and beautiful locations that surround him.

A fascination with fireworks

Michigan artist Brooks Bouwkamp has always been fascinated by fireworks and flashing lights, so it's no wonder that he's attracted to crystalline glazed ceramics. He makes an effort to keep his forms uncomplicated so as not to fight with the visual excitement of his surfaces.

The artist enjoys mixing glazes and firing the most. He knows how to adjust each firing to ensure the best crystal formations, and because of this glaze and firing process each piece ends up being one-of-a-kind.

Brooks is known for experimenting with new colorants, materials and effects. We never know what to expect when he sends a new shipment — it's like Christmas every time we open a box from him!

We always have a nice selection of colors and forms from which to choose. Call Gallery Fifty for more information: 231-932-0775.

Gemstone Nebulas

By far, some of our most popular gift items are these "Gemstone Nebulas" by California artist Norbie Schmidlin. These little dishes create a special place to hold one's treasures such as bracelets, rings and earrings. They are also ideal for holding votive candles or conal incense.

The nebulas are a unique collaboration of clay and glass. They are created using a high-fired stoneware body, firing to 2360 degrees. At this high temperature, oxides, minerals and silica melt and fuse together, creating a beautiful facetted gemstone effect. 3" nebulas are $12; 3.75" are $22.

Call Gallery Fifty for color availability: 231-932-0775.

Note: I keep on next to the bathroom sink to hold my rings while I wash my hands, and another next to the bed to hold my earrings while I'm sleeping. No more misplaced jewelry!