An old school in Alto Pass now provides a different sort of education – pottery classes.
Housed in the old Alto Pass Grade School building on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, Alto Clay Works features a classroom for youth and adult pottery lessons, as well as a showroom full of functional pots for sale and resident artist studios.
Union County Farm Bureau member Steve Grimmer and his family bought the nearly century-old building in 2014. With its location between two popular vineyards allowing for plenty of customer traffic, the makings of a studio with classroom elements soon took shape.
Grimmer handmakes pots, cups, vases and more using stoneware and porcelain clays. He fires them in a large two-chamber wood-burning kiln. All products are dishwasher, microwave and food safe.
His fascination with pottery lies in the way pots live in the home and take on personal and cultural meaning, not only through their physical function but through the way they bring beauty to our daily lives, providing a personal connection to the maker, as well as those gifting and receiving the pieces.
To learn more, visit altoclayworks.com or stop by the shop in Alto Pass.
Note: This product was featured as a giveaway in our Fall 2023 issue. The giveaway has now ended. Thanks to all who participated.
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I like learning about places that make unique pottery.
Thank you for doing a giveway! 🙂
My folks, another couple and I have visited. I was impressed with the pottery.
I took pottery classes in college! Loved it, This Mug looks like one of my favorite pieces! This is my New GO-TO places for retirement and hobbies! Love Them ! 😉
Absolutely beautiful
I love the coffee mug in the ilbpartners give away. Beautiful craftsmanship & use of colors!
Have a great week.
Stunning piece of art! Would be honored to win it!
Beautiful craftsmanships!
I adore handmade pottery, and yours is exquisite! I am thrilled to be entered into your drawing!!
Alto Clay Works,
Your work is beautiful ! And your talent is very noteworthy! Thank you for the opportunity to win this mug.
Beautiful work.
This cup looks so cool!
I saw that tea pot and my mouth dropped! What exquisite craftsmanship on each piece I see!
Love great art work!
Beautiful stunning piece. That’s craftsmanship!
Wow!! Your cup and pot, shown in the IL Farm Bureau Partners Magazine, are mesmerizing pieces of functional art!
So beautiful and even more special that it’s homemade! Love that it is also dishwasher & microwave safe. Would love to visit your studio/classroom; repurpose old school.
The craftsmanship is superb! I would definitely love to win this coffee cup!
The coffee cup is beautiful. It reminds me of the good old days of some that my parents had. I would love to win, good luck to everyone.
I would love to win this!! What beautiful work. You are truly talented.
I took a pottery class for my birthday. I LOVE your pieces and work!!!
My husband’s grandmother, who passed away less than a year ago, lived in Alto Pass many years ago. I saw this article and had to enter. Beautiful work!
I’m so excited to enter for a chance to win an Illinois pottery mug. If someone else wins I’m glad I learned of this business. Thank you.
Probably not lucky enough to win, but it’s beautiful pottery!
I have always any work that is home made & the skill that come . i would be pleased to win this cup & would love to come to the store.
What a lovely shaped coffee mug……..when in doubt……coffee! Quality of pieces shown looks very nice! Nice that they are versatile for dishwasher, microwave, and everyday use!
It’s exciting to read about artisans in Illinois, and appreciate hearing about businesses that repurpose existing structures, such as the Alto Pass Grade School. I’d like to visit this studio!
Love handmade pottery- the teapot shown is so pretty! I love having coffee in a handmade mug! Just tastes better! Wish the store was in my town.
Looks like a great cup for coffee.
Love the coffee cup
I have never been able to make any type of pottery on a wheel. What talent you have!
I can’t wait to add this place to my next southern Illinois road trip! Beautiful pieces!