BRISTOL, NY – Wizard of Clay, the premier wheel-thrown pottery destination in the Finger Lakes, is celebrating 40 years as a family-owned and operated business. They will mark this milestone with an anniversary celebration on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 7851 State Route 20A, Bloomfield.
Opened in 1979, owner Jim Kozlowski, known as “Wizard 1,” and his wife, Lois, built a destination location for people to stop in and see the “magic” being made inside a hand-built series of attached geodesic domes that became the Wizard of Clay retail store and workshop. Known for their classic Bristoleaf® design, Wizard of Clay uses indigenous leaves on some of the pottery.
Jamie Kozlowski (Wizard II), Jim’s son, became the Wizard's only full-time potter in 2014 after Jim and Lois's retirement. Jamie’s wife, Pegge Northrup, manages the business.
“There are not a lot of small businesses that make it this long,” said Northrup. “In a world where everything is bought on Amazon, this family-run, family-operated business is a testament to my in-laws. They built a foundation, and now we’re keeping it going.”
The celebration will include a pancake breakfast by Kettle Ridge Farm, live demos and sales from local artists including The Olde Country Store and More - 1849 out of Cohocton, and a visit by Angel from Lazy Acre Alpacas, along with raffles, giveaways, and demos on the wheel. Commemorative pieces of Bristoleaf pottery will also be for sale.
Noble Shepherd Brewery, located next door to Wizard of Clay, will serve a 40th anniversary Wizards Brew made with hops from the pottery property. They will open at 10 a.m. for the occasion.
“Wizard of Clay is a one-of-a-kind place where people know they can find quality work,” Northrup said.
She says the celebration is a way to say thank you to their loyal customers.
“It’s the people that keep our business open,” said Northrup. “This celebration is a way for us to say thanks to our loyal customers.”