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What it is A Lakeview-based ceramic and craft studio that has been producing kitschy ceramic art and hip home ware since 2001.
Who they are Andy Witt and Nancy Pizarro are partners who met while attending Columbia College in Chicago. They utilize porcelain and earthenware clay in their creations, which have garnered them major attention from online DIY communities such as etsy.com. Both Midwesterners, Pizarro (the decorator, who’s skilled in Gocco—a special type of screen printing that originated in Japan) was born and raised in Chicago, while Witt (the molder) hails from Wisconsin.
What they make Decorative yet functional art such as ceramic bowls, cylinder vases, magnets, tea cups, mugs and porcelain tiles in bright colors that feature images including typewriters, old-school cameras, owls, bats and bicycles. They take special requests and international orders, but some of their standout work is Chicago-centric—like the “space saver” mug, with its decals illustrating the local practice of marking a street-side parking spot in the winter with two folding chairs.
Why we like it Circa Ceramics creates pieces that aren’t just for everyday use; they’re also for show. “We try to make our work have a decorative surface,” Pizarro says. “We want people to display our work after they’re done entertaining. It’s dual-purpose.” Use the mugs, “lo bowls” or plates to serve your guests and also show off your love of off-beat images like skulls or birdcages. Most pieces are in the affordable range, priced from $8–$15. (More expensive bowls are $30–$60).
Where to find it The Circa Ceramics open studio (3759 N Ravenswood, 773-404-1655) on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18, noon–5pm; and circaceramics.etsy.com.
