I was curious if there were other Chicagoans who visited Cortona and loved it as much as we do, so last year, I began to inquire. Our local friends replied, “Don’t you know the people from The Pot Shop?”
Seeing the somewhat quizzical look on my face, they quickly said, “Not that kind of pot – they make ceramic pots!”
And that they do. Meet Dominic, owner and proprietor of The Pot Shop, located in Evanston, just north of Chicago.
©The Pot Shop
Over 40 years ago, Dominic had the opportunity to take one of those throw away electives in college and settled on ceramic pottery. Little did he know it was the beginning of a long and fulfilling career.
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Today, The Pot Shop is both a studio and a gallery with 19 wheels and 2 kilns for adult and children’s classes.
©Blogginginitaly.com
©Blogginginitaly.com
The gallery features Dominic’s pottery, as well as that of various other artists on consignment.
©Blogginginitaly.com
©Blogginginitaly.com
Dominic has tuned his craft so well that he has even participated in pottery competitions in Italy.
©Blogginginitaly.com
The Pot Shop is also available for private parties. In fact, on my last visit, they were preparing for their first annual fundraiser:
They are making about 200 mugs for this event which will be held on November 15, from 6-9 pm.
©Blogginginitaly.com
Buy a mug, get a free beer, and support the Movember Foundation. And yes, we are attending! https://www.facebook.com/events/683628411707498/
Funny how we would have never known about The Pot Shop, nor would we have met Dominic and Julia, had it not been for our friends in Cortona, a mere 5000 miles away! Small world.
Next time you’re looking for a unique gift, or you want to wrap your hands around some clay,
©Blogginginitaly.com
©Blogginginitaly.com
stop by The Pot Shop in Evanston. I’m sure glad I did. And tell Dominic Judy sent you!
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
Didn’t you already run this story?
Nope, just met Dominic this past winter and took the photos last Thursday.
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Lovely ceramics. If you find any Cortona/California connections please let me know.
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Where in California?
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Los Angeles – but we are great drivers so anywhere between San Francisco and San Diego is in our area.
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