Garrettsville – This view of Garrettsville is especially important to ceramic artist Missy Steele who moved from Garrettsville to Pittsburgh when she was 18, but still has family is still here. “This is where I did most of my growing up, and this is where I return for holidays and special occasions. Honestly, it’s the place I still call home.” says Steele.
When glazing the mugs it was important to Steele to recreate her view of Main Street, arriving from the East. Steele chose to recreate a view that she would see on any given trip—busy with cars visiting Garretsville’s many local shops and businesses, an open sky scattered with clouds. A typical afternoon in Garrettsville. This is the way Steele will remember Main Street.
Each mug is handcrafted on the potter’s wheel; a handle is then made and attached. Every detail is painted on by hand, and the mug is fired once before glaze is applied and once after. No molds are used in Steele’s process, and the glazes are mixed by hand. No commercial materials are used. For Steele, these mugs were an effort of love and she has dedicated her time to making each one special and unique. No two are exactly alike.
As soon as Steele heard about the fire, she knew that she wanted to help in some way. Living in Pittsburgh, she knew there wasn’t a lot that she could do locally, but by creating one-of-a-kind mugs Steele could help generate more funds than she would be able to donate on her own.
While supplies last, you can purchase a limited edition, hand-made, Garrettsville mug for a minimum donation of $35. Mugs are available for purchase at the Weekly Villager/Chamber of Commerce Office located at 8088 Main Street or the Garrettsville Branch of Middlefield Bank located at 8058 State Street. 100% of your donation goes to the GarrettsvilleStrong fund. The mugs are microwave safe, dishwasher safe, and, of course, food safe.
Missy Steele is a 2004 graduate of James A. Garfield Local Schools, and a 2014 graduate of Carlow University in Pittsburgh, receiving her Bachelor of Art degree in Ceramics.
