Our Artists
If you’ve spent any time in the White Lake area, then certainly you’ve heard of Peter “The Potter” Johnson. He has been a fixture in West Michigan since he built his studio, Terrestrial Forming Pottery, over fifty years ago on Lamos Road at Michillinda. Until recently, Peter and his family lived above the working studio. He and his wife, Jan, now live in a house nestled in the woods nearby.
Peter is one of the few potters who accepts apprentices in his studio. Over the last 40 years, thirty-six artists have worked with him, honing their craft. The majority of those artists have gone on to become full-time potters with their own studios around the country, as well as in Canada and Japan.
Peter is a native of Amherst, Massachusetts. He spent his youth in coastal Maine and northern Vermont and relocated to Whitehall, Michigan, in the early seventies.
He is a graduate of Albion College, where he studied ceramic arts with Richard Leach. He taught pottery in the Albion College adult education program and at Alfred University, New York, where he obtained his masters in fine arts.
Besides sculptural, outdoor pieces, some on a large scale, he creates functional forms from dinnerware to large bowls, birdhouses and much more!
Peter “The Potter” Johnson
Kim Funk
Kim is a passionate and dedicated potter known for her whimsical creations that blend functionality with artistic expression.
Her transformative journey into the world of pottery began in 2021 when she met Peter, a master potter. Inspired by Peter's mastery of the craft, Kim embraced the opportunity to learn under his expert guidance.
As the pottery studio manager and technician, she oversees inventory, coordinates kiln schedules, and ensures the smooth operation of equipment and supplies.
In addition to her work as a potter, Kim has taken on the role of a local pottery teacher, sharing her extensive knowledge with eager students. Her teaching style is characterized by warmth and enthusiasm, always striving to foster an engaging environment where creativity can thrive.
Currently, Kim is working alongside Peter to transform the studio into a vibrant community space. This initiative aims to open the studio to local artists, offering workshops, classes, and collaborative opportunities in partnership with the Arts Council of White Lake.
With her unwavering dedication to her craft and a commitment to uplifting the creative community, Kim Funk continues to inspire and delight through her pottery and educational endeavors.
