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Ray and Tami Bier.
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Ray and Tami Bier met
while working at Todd Warner's studio in Bay Shore, Michigan over
twenty years ago. Both had various studio jobs, which laid the
groundwork for building their own studio years later. They married
shortly after and began their quest to become independent
craftsmen producing their own line of stoneware pottery.
For many years, they
pounded the beats doing art fairs and selling small vases to
floral shops throughout Michigan.
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They traveled as far as
Coconut Grove, Florida to Davenport, Iowa. During this period the
Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair was their main selling venue. Much of
their time was spent perfecting their techniques and honing their
skills to develop marketable items with Tami learning to sculpt
clay and Ray perfecting his throwing skills. It was really a time
of growth with a whole lot of blood, sweat, and tears as they
built their small business.
When they decided to
start a family, the urge to stay off the road and raise their
children was strong. They knew they needed to find a permanent
location to start to build their business. Judy and Norman Brumm,
who had a successful business in Norwood at that time, were
friends of Ray's and Judy suggested that he stop in at Staffel's
Pottery. Bonnie Staffel was inspiring as well as encouraging. |
Ray Bier
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Tami Bier
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The seed
was planted and Ray and Tami
began their quest to find the right location. The old Hilton
Schoolhouse lay vacant for years until the Bier's, along with
their partners at that time, decided to go for it. There was much
to be done that first year before opening the doors but with
everyone pitching in it worked out. Fortunately, the Schoolhouse
was in the Charlevoix area, which was a growing tourist
destination for thousands of people. It took only a matter of time
to create a dedicated following of customers by advertising and
hard work. |
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Today, over thirty years
later, the Bier's are the sole owners and have built a strong year
round business. Still carrying the artwork of their former
partners, along with over forty other artists, the variety offered
is stunning. The old schoolhouse has blossomed with a new and
vibrant life. The Gallery exudes the energy and enthusiasm of the
owners as well as the artists represented.
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Tyler Bier
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