Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Manson.
Amy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey with clay started more than 20 years ago, and what began as a creative outlet quickly became a lifelong passion. I was drawn to the way clay connects artistry, craftsmanship, and everyday life. Over the years, I immersed myself in learning the craft, studying with talented ceramic artists through programs like Clayworks Charlotte, the Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts, Penland School of Craft, and Bill Van Gilder’s Frederick Pottery School.
Along the way, I discovered that I loved teaching just as much as making pottery. For nearly two decades, I’ve taught both wheel throwing and handbuilding, helping people of all skill levels discover what they can create with their own hands. Watching that spark of confidence and creativity develop in students has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
In 2018, I opened The Clay & Metal Loft, which combined my studio, teaching space, and gallery into one creative home. Then, in 2023, I took a leap of faith and relocated to Pennsylvania, where I founded Kettle Creek Pottery in the historic village of Snydersville near Stroudsburg. What started as a pottery studio has grown into a creative campus with classes, workshops, visiting artists, community events, and historic buildings that welcome people to slow down, connect, and create.
Today, my work is about much more than making pots. It’s about building community, preserving the value of handmade craft, and creating a place where people can learn, gather, and experience the joy of making something with their own hands. Clay has been the thread connecting every chapter of my story, and I’m excited to see where it leads next.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. In many ways, the challenges have shaped both me and the business.
Like many creative entrepreneurs, I started with a passion for the craft, but building a sustainable business around that passion has been a completely different skill set. I’ve had to learn everything from marketing and bookkeeping to facility management and event planning while continuing to grow as an artist and educator.
One of the biggest challenges was taking the leap to relocate and start over. After building The Clay & Metal Loft over several years, I made the decision to move hundreds of miles away and launch Kettle Creek Pottery in Pennsylvania. That meant moving an entire ceramic studio—kilns, wheels, equipment, supplies, and years of accumulated materials—and then rebuilding a community from scratch. It was exciting, but it was also incredibly risky and a tremendous amount of work.
There have also been the challenges that come with restoring and operating a historic property. The buildings are beautiful and full of character, but they require constant attention and investment. Every improvement seems to uncover another project waiting around the corner.
On a personal level, there have been seasons where life brought its own obstacles, and I learned that resilience is just as important as talent. Clay has actually taught me a lot about that. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, pots collapse, glazes fail, kilns misfire—but you adapt, learn, and keep going.
Looking back, I wouldn’t describe the journey as smooth, but I would describe it as meaningful. Every challenge has helped me build something stronger—not just a pottery business, but a community-centered place where people can gather, learn, and create together. And honestly, that’s what makes the success feel worthwhile.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a ceramic artist, educator, and the founder of Kettle Creek Pottery. My work centers on functional stoneware—pieces meant to be used and enjoyed every day. I’m especially drawn to forms and glaze surfaces inspired by nature: mossy greens, river browns, sky blues, and textures that feel timeless and comfortable in the hand.
While I love making pottery, teaching has become just as important to me. For nearly 20 years, I’ve taught wheel throwing and handbuilding to students of all ages and experience levels. Helping someone discover that they can create something beautiful and functional with their own hands is incredibly rewarding, and it remains one of my greatest joys as an artist.
What I’m most proud of is building Kettle Creek Pottery into more than just a studio. It has become a gathering place where art, community, history, and creativity intersect. We host classes, workshops, visiting artists, community events, and opportunities for people to slow down, connect, and learn. Watching complete beginners walk through the door and leave feeling inspired and capable is every bit as meaningful as selling a piece of my own work.
What sets me apart is that I don’t see pottery as simply a product or a craft—it’s a vehicle for connection. My background combines decades of studio practice, extensive teaching experience, and a deep belief in community-building. Whether I’m making a mug, teaching a workshop, or restoring a historic property to serve as a creative space, the goal is the same: to create experiences that bring people together and remind them of the value of making things by hand.
At the heart of everything I do is the belief that art should be accessible, welcoming, and woven into everyday life. A handmade bowl can hold a meal, but it can also hold memories. Creating those connections—for students, visitors, and collectors—is what I’m most proud of.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about the Stroudsburg and Pocono area is the sense of community and connection to nature. There’s a wonderful mix of history, creativity, and small-town character here. People genuinely support local businesses, artists, and community events, and that spirit has been incredibly welcoming. I also love the natural beauty—the forests, streams, seasons, and outdoor spaces inspire both my pottery and the experience we try to create at Kettle Creek Pottery.
If I had to point to a challenge, it would be that arts and cultural organizations in smaller communities often have to work harder for visibility, funding, and resources than they might in larger metropolitan areas. That said, I also see that as an opportunity. There’s tremendous potential here, and I’ve been encouraged by how many people are excited to support creative experiences, local tourism, and community-building initiatives.
Overall, I’ve found this area to be a place where people care deeply about preserving what makes it special while continuing to grow, and that balance is something I really appreciate.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.kettlecreekpottery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kettle_creek_pottery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KettleCreekVentures
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-manson-7a241727/
