In Tandem Gallery is a premier destination for handmade ceramic art and studio pottery, featuring functional and collectible ceramics
by contemporary artists from across the United States and beyond.
Located in Bakersville, North Carolina, the gallery offers a curated selection of fine ceramics available to shop online.
Featured Artist: Michael Bridges
Is it possible to be in love while somewhat terrified?
Yes, yes it is. This is the beautifully made, emotive ‘n creepy work of Illinois ceramicist Michael Bridges! Ducks, frogs, and pigs, in all their insane bizarre-ness. Michael turns mundane ideas - like a bunny basket - from a potentially saccharine sweet theme into an expressive and oftentimes scary composition. NOT what I was expecting, but definitely what I needed. I mean - come on!! Don’t we go to horror movies for a little excitement and a change-up from the overly sweet flicks we see on the Hallmark station?? Well, this is the cure for that disease!
So, if you’re like me, enjoy and appreciate the darker side of things (even if nightlights are needed…). I promise it’s worth the scare!!!
Featured Artist: Mike Stumbras
Ok. I need everything that Illinois artist Mike Stumbras makes… but that coffee pot!🫖?
It is literally screaming “MORNING JAVA!! NOW!!” at me right this very second. Functional, elegant, beautifully made, and just enough references to 18th and 19th-century European ceramics to warm my art-loving heart.
Annnnd, there’s a little something for everyone here: slip-trailing decorations?… Yep! Water etching and sprig decorations?…Yep! Just a little highlight of lustre?…Yep! Atmospheric soda firings?…Yep again!! Like I said - something for everyone. You can even use that glorious coffee pot above for tea ☕ if you have to… but only if you have to, in my opinion. So please, enjoy the show!!
Perfect white porcelain pieces that are singularly colored - with finials and serifs in all the right places. Gasp!
Seriously, I cannot get enough of these beauties!
The detail is bonkers, and that semi-matte glaze is to die for.
And Chance Taylor has truly mastered both the aesthetics as well as the function of these gems. You really should take them for a spin, and I guarantee that you’ll also fall in love with them. I sure have!
And now, something for the more whimsical kind of person…. This is just a teeny, tiny peek at the work of another Illinois artist - whom we’ve shown many times here at the gallery - who creates these adorable, hand-pinched, intimate gems. A bit of a counterpoint to Michael Bridges’ work, don’t ya think?? Delicate-looking, surreal in a sweet way, and just filled with that human touch. So thank you, Nancy Gardner, for showing another mood that ceramics can evoke.
OUR JEWELRY CORNER
Christal Keener creates handcrafted sterling silver jewelry enriched with gemstones, found objects, pebbles, pearls, and colorful beach glass. Her ever-evolving designs are beautiful, distinctive, and a pleasure to wear.
New Online
A private 360 tour of our gallery
New Article - Ceramics Monthly
My wife Silvia and I have only been in the gallery business for just over five years now (plus two more years spent managing Crimson Laurel Gallery). It wasn’t something either of us had a background in or even considered when thinking about a career or starting a business, but like many things that happen in life, it just happened. (…)
