Sox is our pottery pet and he keeps us company at our studio. He hits the ground running, racing through the back studio door all the way to the front to say hello to Ann. He spends his days visiting each artisan and searching for treats. He enjoys lunchtime the best, especially with Beth, who usually packs a separate lunch just for him! We are still working on acclimating Sox to the gallery, as he has a tendency to race towards the door barking when new customers arrive—he is just so excited to see them! Be sure to stop by and visit Sox on your next studio tour.
Julie has had a passion for Packer Creek Pottery since the early age of fourteen, when she started to train under Jan Pugh’s tutelage. Over her many years with the company, she has gained a thorough knowledge of the business, and continues to fall in love with the product. “I am just so honored to carry on the legacy Jan has built at Packer Creek Pottery.” When asked about the favorite part of her day, Julie replies it is twofold, “Delivering locally handmade products that are beautiful and cheerful, to our awesome clientele whom I look forward to interacting with each day. As well as working with the phenomenally talented artisans we are fortunate to have on our team. Every day is a beautiful day at the pottery shop!”
Jan Pugh has had a lifelong passion for pottery. After completion of art school in 1979, Jan returned to her hometown of Genoa, Ohio, to set up a studio. This was the beginning of Jan's signature style and the start of Packer Creek Pottery. The business quickly outgrew its tiny one room studio into its current multi-building complex located in charming downtown Genoa. Over its many years in business, Jan has trained many skilled artisans in her technique and majolica pottery. The dedication to quality and the unique, whimsical, and colorful designs are a tradition that will continue on at Packer Creek Pottery.
Chach has worked at Packer Creek Pottery for over twenty years. In his tenure, he has worked in a variety of capacities with a current specialization in our clay forming departments. He is a master at slip casting and press forming. His attention to detail and zero waste approach keeps our operation clean and lean. When asked what he enjoys about his work, he sites the fun work environment, making unique things with his hands, and the emphasis on quality and detail that is allotted in making each piece. In his spare time, Chach designs and builds beautifully detailed wooden crafted toys from scratch. Chach always has a smile on his face and is a joy to be around.
Bethany has worked at Packer Creek Pottery since 2006 and has a thorough knowledge of the entire production process. She is a dedicated artisan and has a formal training in ceramics. She is a master at all things in clay forming, including the traditional throwing forms on a potter’s wheel, which is her favorite thing to do. She is always interested in learning more about our process, is committed to researching new techniques, and seeing projects through from start to finish. Bethany is also a very talented decorator. She enjoys traveling to tropical locations that are off the beaten path, crafting, and news radio.
Trina is a brilliant decorator and her creativity continues to delight customers. “Thirteen years later I am amazed that I have been so lucky to get to be a part of this company and its products. To get to have a job where I get to have creative freedom, add a touch of whimsy to the pieces I paint, and put beautiful colors together is my wish come true. My favorite part of the day?—Popping open the kiln in the morning and checking out the pretties! *Bliss*” Trina enjoys reading, riding her motorcycle, and spending time with her family.
Jana joined our team in 2014 and is doing a fabulous job in our decorating department. She has a beautiful execution and interpretation of design. “I really enjoy the creative aspect of the work, painting and trying new things. It has been exciting to see the patterns I am able to paint.” Jana enjoys our spring items, especially the watering can shaped vases. She enjoys reading, shopping, spending time with her family, and cheering her children on at their sporting events.
“We really do have the BEST customers. They have great taste and high expectations and it is my pleasure to assist them in selecting the perfect piece for a gift or an item for their personal collection. I enjoy providing a memorable shopping experience for our customers through excellent customer service.” Beth is dedicated to delivering the finest shopping experience to our customers, and has been doing so at Packer Creek Pottery since 2007. She gives great care to understanding our customer's needs and tastes in helping them find the perfect piece of pottery. Beth loves to cook and vacation in warm tropical locations. She adores her family.
Pam joined the Packer Creek Pottery family in 2014. A native of Genoa, Pam has been a long time customer. “It’s a happy, beautiful, colorful place to work. I love it that so many people love our product and we get to assist them in their purchases.” Pam has an eye for design and helps to create beautiful displays in our gallery. When asked about her favorite piece, she says she loves them all, especially our new Love Birds pattern. In her free time, Pam enjoys sewing, scrapbooking, golf and bowling.
Before joining the Packer Creek Pottery family in the fall of 2017, Cathy thoroughly enjoyed visiting the gallery. "I truly appreciate the unique craftsmanship and creativity that is present in every piece." Cathy enjoys working with customers to help them in selecting the specific pattern and style that speaks to them. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and speding quality time with her family.