Seven years of creation and growth with Zenfire Pottery and Mercantile

Angela Patterson is grateful to everyone who supported Zenfire Pottery and Mercantile throughout the past seven years and contributed to the growth of the shop and the greater pottery community of southwestern Ontario.

By Emily Stewart

Zenfire Pottery and Mercantile is celebrating seven years of creating and showcasing a variety of handmade pottery in Downtown St. Marys.

“It feels surreal. It has grown into more than I could have imagined. The space really does feel like a second home,” owner Angela Patterson told the St. Marys Independent.

As there will be a larger celebration for the 10th anniversary, Patterson said the seventh anniversary celebration will be a simple one. In the meantime, she’s reflecting on Zenfire becoming the place to be for all things pottery in southwestern Ontario.

“The growing community of potters through our classes has been the most rewarding and fun,” she said, referring to community of potters as her second family.

Patterson recently hired a front-of-house manager so she can focus on her own pottery creations and studio developments such as researching new glaze colours.

“I’m super excited to do more throwing, which is where my true passion lies,” Patterson said.

She gives many thanks to all the customers from the past seven years.

“I am so grateful, every day, for our loyal local customers, whether you have been here since the beginning or are just finding us now,” Patterson said. “Whether it’s a gift you’re shopping for or a workshop or class you’ve taken, we appreciate everything you’ve done to support Zenfire. Thank you.”

Zenfire is currently hiring for a maternity leave contract front-of-house manager and program coordinator to start training in September. Anyone looking to apply can send an email to zenfirepottery@gmail.com.

The shop is open from Wednesdays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be found at 114 Queen St. E.