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Category: Shop news
Wizard of Clay Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Celebration October 26
MEDIA CONTACT
Christen Smith, Director of Marketing and Communications
christen@visitfingerlakes.com
(585) 394-3915
Release date: October 14, 2019
Wizard of Clay Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Celebration October 26
CANANDAIGUA, NY – Wizard of Clay, the premier hand-thrown pottery destination in the Finger Lakes, is celebrating 40 years as a family-owned and operated business. They will mark this milestone with an anniversary celebration on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 7851 State Route 20A, Bloomfield.
Opened in 1979, owner Jim Kozlowski, known as “Wizard 1,” and his wife, Lois, built a destination location for people to stop in and see the “magic” being made inside a hand-built series of attached geodesic domes that became the Wizard of Clay retail store and workshop. Known for their classic Bristoleaf® design, Wizard of Clay uses indigenous leaves on some of the pottery.
Jamie Kozlowski, Jim’s son, became “Wizard 2,” in 2014 after Jim’s retirement. Jamie’s wife, Pegge Northrup, manages the business.
“There’s not a lot of small businesses that make it this long,” said Northrup. “In a world where everything is bought on Amazon, this family-run, family-operated business is a testament to my in-laws. They built a foundation, and now we’re keeping it going.”
The celebration will include a pancake breakfast by Kettle Ridge Farm, live demos and sales from local artists, and a visit by Angel from Lazy Acre Alpacas, along with raffles, giveaways, and demos on the wheel. Commemorative pieces of Bristoleaf pottery will also be for sale.
Noble Shepherd Brewery, located next door to Wizard of Clay, will serve a 40th anniversary Wizards Brew made with hops from the pottery property.
“Wizard of Clay is a one-of-a-kind place where people know they can find quality work,” Northrup said.
She says the celebration is a way to say thank you to their loyal customers.
“It’s the people that keep our business open,” said Northrup. “This celebration is a way for us to say thanks to our loyal customers.”
Finger Lakes Visitors Connection has been the official tourism promotion agency for Ontario County for the past 35 years. Its mission is to create visitorship and economic vitality for Ontario County by marketing its tourism assets and positioning the area as a premier leisure and meetings destination. For more information on FLVC, call (585) 394-3915 or go to VisitFingerLakes.com.
Wizard at work
Watch the Wizard at work in the studio.
Visit the shop to watch the process live, and place a pin on our visitor location map!
New roof for the domes!
From the current wizard, Jamie Kozlowski:
When I was 11 years old, back in 1979, I watched my Father, the original Wizard, build the first 4 of 7 geodesic domes that house The Wizard of Clay Pottery. I remember him saying that the roof should last for 40 years. Somehow I knew way back then that I would be the one to re-roof the domes. That day has come. We are starting with the main store dome and will do one per year for the next few years. I’ll get up there for part of the project, on days I’m not throwing. I love you Dad, don’t worry about a thing…I got this.
Stop by the shop to see the progress!
