Crow Valley Pottery

In the San Juan Islands, Washington on Orcas Island there is a fascinating place that sells locally crafted creations.  At Crow Valley Pottery, you can find every thing from hand made soaps and lotions to pottery and yard art, paintings or even hand bound journals.  The list of items from seventy artists on display could go on and on.  The store, which has been in business since 1959, displays a collection of everything you can imagine-all created by local artisans.  It is impossible to visit without finding at least one must-have!

There are two locations.  One is in Eastsound-the main village on the island.  The other is on Orcas Road as you drive from the ferry to Eastsound.  The latter is housed in an historic 1866 cabin carefully maintained to preserve its rural character surrounded by a garden filled with whimsical yard art and amazing brass bells.  I can only dream of having the imagination of even one of these artists!

 

The web page shows more photos and gives a history of this wonderful island business I won’t repeat because it is so well done.  Click here.  I’ve included a few of my photos, but check out their site for lots more!

I love this place and for me it is a must stop every time I travel to Orcas Island.  If you go there, you can still meet the owners.  Crow Valley Pottery today continues under the second generation of family ownership-nephew Jeffri Coleman with his partner Michael Rivkin.  Their attention to detail and their friendly engagement makes any visit a pleasure.  My hat is off to two gentlemen who have gotten it right!