Farmhouse Pottery: Where Dedicated Craftsmanship Meets the Serenity of Nature | Written By: Lindsay W. (Dufferin Board of Trade)
Nestled along Hockley Valley Road, Farmhouse Pottery is an inviting pottery studio where visitors can admire scenic surroundings and shop for stunning pottery. Run by potter Al Pace and his family, the studio specializes in creating functional domestic ware heavily inspired by the beauties of northern nature, and always finds joy in sharing his passion with others.
Al has been creating pottery since he was 18, and in 1977, he and his classmate opened Farmhouse Pottery in Erin. After moving his business to Dufferin County in 1981, Al became dedicated to his pottery career. “That was the year I really decided to purse pottery as my livelihood,” Al recalls.
The studio offers a diverse range of pieces, including dinnerware, cups, saucers, mugs, pitchers, wine goblets, plates and bowls of various sizes. By using a broad range of glazes and styles, Al brings a unique look to his pieces. “When people come in looking for a gift, they actually can find something” Al explains, noting his understanding of what draws customers to pieces.
“I’ve always felt a sense of responsibly in designing well-crafted dishware.”
Using high fire stoneware creates durable pieces designed for long-lasting use. “Maintaining standards in creative endeavors is important,” adds Al. Each piece is crafted with precision for everyday use, with careful attention given to details like handle comfort and poring efficiency. “I take priority in engineering how the handle might feel, or pitcher might pour” says Al. His work is also versatile, “I have had people share how they appreciate the craft and how they love to use it, or how they display the works as decoration instead” Al says.
Along the Nottawasaga River, Farmhouse Pottery has one historic cabin housing Al and his family and another being the pottery studio. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and open walkways, “the landscape and buildings are an attraction themselves” exclaims Al. The welcoming atmosphere invites visitors to enjoy a coffee at their cafe, explore the store, and appreciate the scenic surroundings. “There is no pressure on people when they arrive,” Al adds. “We want to inspire them to take their time.”
There is a strong connection between nature and pottery, which heavily influences Al’s creative process. Having grown up canoeing in Nothern Canada and later sharing this passion with his wife, Lynn, Al has always been drawn to nature. “When I’m out paddling, I’m often thinking about ideas I might bring into the studio,” he says. After writing about their trip to the Yukon in their newsletter, Studio News, “People would respond with handwritten notes, and we saw a lot of interest in that trip,” Al explains. This inspired them to launch their tripping company, Canoe North Adventures, with the aim of connecting people and strengthening their knowledge of Canada’s Northern landscapes.
“When you’re in a creative endeavor, your experiences infuse your art with originality.”
Farmhouse Pottery is deeply involved with the community, hosting events that align with the studio’s values. These include hosting paddling-based film festivals and a Thursday night lecture series at their cafe and gallery, featuring various speakers. “This is how we get the community into our wheelhouse and hear about the projects we’re working on,” says Al, who hopes to renew the series this fall.
Although Al’s volume of work has slowed, he remains passionate about his creative process. “I’m very dedicated to my craft and still doing meaningful work” he says. Looking ahead, he plans to run a 50-year exhibition at the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, showcasing 50 pieces of his recent works to commemorate his extensive pottery career. “It would be an exclamation point in my career,” Al exclaims.