The SRP Story

With over 30 years in business, the story of Sturgeon River is a good one.  Sturgeon River Pottery was founded by Karen and Steve Andrews in 1980 in Wolverine, Michigan, approximately 25 miles east of Petoskey. Karen, a pottery,a began with her first studio on the banks of the Sturgeon River. It was there that she developed not only a love for her art, but a following of her work by collectors across Michigan.

It wasn't long before Karen and Steve opened the first Sturgeon River Pottery on Main Street in Wolverine. Originally a gas station, the building served as studio, gallery, and workshop.

In only a short time Sturgeon River Pottery outgrew its place in Wolverine so Karen and Steve moved the store to Bay Shore, Michigan, approximately 5 miles west of Petoskey. Still the store featured mostly Karen and Steve's pottery but added a line of locally made candles. As the local and regional following for Karen and Steve's pottery continued to grow, Sturgeon River Pottery once again outgrew its home.

It was then, in 1984, that Karen and Steve moved Sturgeon River Pottery to its current location on Charlevoix Avenue (US 31) one mile west of Petoskey where they remain today. With a garage as a studio and tractor stall as their gallery, Karen and Steve devoted countless hours to developing pottery of the highest quality and regard among their customers.  It wasn't long before the popularity and success of Sturgeon River Pottery forced an expansion into additional studio and display space.

In the late 1980's Karen and Steve expanded the store to include their love for wild bird feeding by offering unique lines of hand-crafted birdfeeders and a full range of birding supplies. The wild bird store too has grown and flourished to serve their customers.

In addition to birding supplies, Karen and Steve have also added many unique hand-crafted gifts such as windchimes, candles, pottery by some of America's most well known potters, woodcarvings, baskets, and much more.  Their main criteria upon selecting such items to carry is that they be affordable and of the highest quality.

With the help of their crew and loyal customer base, Karen and Steve have grown Sturgeon River Pottery into the landmark business people enjoy today. As always, we thank our customers for their support over the years and promise that we will continue to offer the highest quality service possible.