Ohio's Glass Trail: Exploring the Beauty of Pottery and Glass

June 20, 2023

When I was young, art was a lot of my world. As an art major, I loved the feel of sketching on a pad, the rhythm of weaving, and the magic of throwing clay. I don’t create as much anymore, but my love for these art forms hasn’t faded one bit. I still get that same spark when I discover a piece of glass or pottery with history, character, and a story all its own.

Ohio has been the perfect place to nurture my passion for great glass and pottery. This state is full of treasures for anyone who loves vintage pottery and glass. Some of the greatest makers of the 20th century called Ohio home—Heisey, Imperial, Cambridge, Tiffin, Federal Glass in Columbus, and of course, Anchor Hocking, still producing right here in Ohio today. And while we’re at it, our neighboring states deserve a nod too: Indiana Glass, Fenton (PA), Blenko and Viking (both WV and still going strong). The artistry that came out of this region is unbelievable, and honestly, I could talk about it for hours, and sometimes do (I'm a hoot at parties! LOL).

Ohio’s pottery scene is just as impressive. USA Pottery, Rosewood, Weller, Rookwood (still thriving in Cincinnati), McCoy, Hull with their iconic brown drip pieces, Laughlin, and the ever-popular Fiestaware (originally made right here in Ohio!) —the list goes on and on. One of my favorite little facts? The Village of Crooksville, OH, was once considered the pottery capital of the world. How adorable—and accurate—is that? If you drive through Cooksville now, don't blink, you might miss it!

Hand Painted Cherub Covered Drink Glass Bowl

In today’s world of mass production, it’s easy to forget the skill, creativity, and sheer labor that went into older pieces. But if you’ve ever watched someone blow glass in person—shaping those molten colors into something delicate and precise—you know it’s pure magic. And that’s exactly why I still get excited when I see bubbles in old glass, a big proud pontil, or the bold colors and sculptural forms of true mid-century pottery. Those are the moments when my heart still skips a beat. And those glass blowers? They still exist, dig a bit on the internet, you can find some great one's right here in Ohio!

I still get excited when I see a piece of old glass with bubbles in it, or a large pontil on the base. I can’t wait to look it up and see who made it (if I don’t already know). When I see the beautiful colors in pottery, and the really cool pieces that are unique to that mid-century design, my heart skips a beat!

My personal favorite among contemporary glassworks is the mesmerizing artistry of Italian Glass. Its breathtaking beauty and kaleidoscope of colors never fail to captivate me. While I adore the bold, colorful drama of Italian glass, American makers have produced plenty of showstoppers, too. I often highlight these pieces from talented American glass artisans—so you can enjoy them, learn about them, and maybe even bring one home.

If you’re exploring Ohio’s glass and pottery heritage, I hope you’ll also take a moment to browse the vintage items we offer. Each piece carries its own story—crafted by skilled hands long before mass production took over. There’s something special about owning a piece that was truly made, not manufactured. Something that brings joy, color, and nostalgia into your home.

Ohio’s glass and pottery legacy is a reminder of how powerful creativity and craftsmanship can be. As we celebrate the artistry of the past and embrace the makers keeping these traditions alive today, I hope you find something that inspires you as much as it inspires me.