From Hobby to Business

GG’s Kiln Brings Ceramics to Culver

Story and Photography Provided

GG's KilnWhat started off as a hobby for Grant and Ginny Munroe, the two “Gs” in GG’s Kiln, is now a new business in Culver that brings the art of ceramics to visitors and residents of the small town located on Lake Maxinkuckee. With a wide selection of glazes, hundreds of pieces to choose from and several techniques to learn, GG’s Kiln is making the art of ceramics a fun activity for everyone.

Ginny tells the story of how GG’s Kiln got its start.

“I was obsessed with painting ceramics with my nieces when a friend of mine offered to sell me a kiln,” Ginny says. “I wasn’t going to turn down the opportunity to fire my own pieces. Once we got the kiln, I ordered glaze and bisque in large quantities. Then, my family and some of our friends got into creating pieces, especially at Christmas time. The rest is history.”

“Ginny’s hobby was taking over the house, so I knew she had a passion for it,” Grant adds. “I thought we should set up a studio to get all of the ceramics out of the house and to bring this fun activity to Culver families and friends.”

One of the reasons Ginny got on board with bringing a new business to Culver is because she thinks Culver is a destination place for visitors, remote workers, and people associated with lake life and Culver Academies.

GG's Kiln“There’s a diverse group of people coming to Culver from all over the world,” Ginny says. “Ideally, we want those people to enjoy the amenities of our small town and we want them to support our local businesses. The more we have for them to do while they are here, the more likely they are to return or stay. Grant and I thought we could offer a fun activity that will bring people to Culver.”

Grant points out that creating art is therapeutic and relaxing.

“We have had our share of tragedy this past year with the death of four family members between us,” Grant says. “We did a lot of painting during that time. Art truly is therapeutic and has a way of healing.”

“It’s also something that anyone can do,” Ginny adds. “We’ve had 2-year-old kids in the shop, 90-year-old adults, and everyone in between. Many people paint gifts for family members and friends. Watching them choose something they know will resonate with the person they are gifting is a lot of fun. We want to be part of creating memories in the town of Culver and that is something we honor.”

Through the fall and winter season, visitors to GG’s Kiln can come in on the weekend between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., or make an appointment for a private party.

“We try to be flexible about the hours we are open because this is the type of activity that people generally plan ahead of time,” Grant says. “We host birthday parties, family outings, corporate parties and more.”

GG's Kiln

“This time of year, everyone coming in is working on fall or Christmas pieces,” Ginny says. “Pumpkins and Christmas trees are really popular right now. It’s such an easy thing to do. You don’t have to be a professional painter or artist. You just have to enjoy time with the people you bring with you.”

Grant summarizes the experience.

“We see people come in here and disconnect from their devices to relax and enjoy each other’s company,” Grant says. “They pick up their completed pieces and discover their inner artist is pretty good at ceramics. We are thrilled to be part of that.”

GG’s Kiln is located at 105 East Washington Street in Culver. For more info, call 574-842-2000 or visit facebook.com/ggskiln.

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