My dear friend Angela owns "Rose City Ceramics" . We were there on Monday (Michael and I). Monday the schools here were closed for grading day.

The shop was packed!!!! Group after group came in and made such cute creations. Lots of little kids were making gifts for their parents and grandparents!!!
I am new to ceramics and NEVER EVER knew how labor intensive this art form was. When you pick up that piece from the shelf, there have already been sooo many hours of labor, and care put into it. It takes a long time to make those creations. And that's just making the item, there's more after you paint your precious piece. So next time you go to a ceramic shop and my PERSONAL recommendation is "Rose City Ceramics" take the time to appreciate the hard work that went into it. Look at the details of the item. Look at the creations on the walls that are there to inspire you. They have all been done by someone who felt creative at that moment. Don't just look at the workers as regular people. They are artists, and they are creators. These shops aren't mass producing factories that can crank out an item in a few minutes. They make each piece one at a time. They carefully handle your art work and enjoy opening the kiln after your piece has baked in the oven for so many hours. They ooohhh and ahhhh pulling them out and admire what you have done. They enjoy seeing your creations and know what went into it. A lot of TLC!!!
Angela you ROCK!!!!!