Gretchen Olson: A Journey of Ceramics and Community

Gretchen Olson, a ceramic artist based in Verona, WI, believes that creativity is an intrinsic part of being human. She owns Crimson Artist Collective, a community studio where individuals connect with their creative selves through pottery. In her inspiring journey, she found that when creativity is stifled, it can detrimentally affect mental health, making it essential to nurture that creativity without the pressures of critique.

For Gretchen, pottery is not just an art form; it's a meditative escape. She describes her experience at the wheel as a form of meditation, stating, “if I'm just doing something that I love,... that's my meditation.” This approach has transformed not only her life but also the lives of her students, who often leave her classes feeling calmer and more fulfilled.

Opening her studio came from a calling to share her passion. After spending years in corporate America, she realized that she missed the community of fellow artists she once had. With the support of her husband, she established a space where creativity could flourish, emphasizing that students should honor their time spent creating rather than focusing solely on the result.

In her work, Gretchen often experiments with materials. One of her notable creations includes porcelain rings embedded with cubic zirconia stones, which she meticulously designs to accommodate the nuances of the clay during firing. Moreover, her pottery features messages that inspire and uplift, such as “actually, yes, you can” and “you are worthy, my dear,” echoing her belief in pushing through fear and self-doubt.

Gretchen’s artistry also extends to creating pieces that foster gratitude, encouraging individuals to pause and appreciate the beauty around them. These gratitude dishes serve as reminders to recognize and celebrate the small joys in life.

Through her work and the Crimson Artist Collective, Gretchen is not just teaching pottery; she is facilitating a return to creativity, promoting healing, and cultivating a supportive community in the heart of Verona.