About us

A Passion for Family and Art

Matthias has been the chairman for the 14 South Fall Art Tour, enabling art lovers to venture into the studios of artists at work and enjoy the smaller communities of southern Wisconsin.

In August 2007 Matthias and Lisa purchased a century old building next to Allen Creek in downtown Evansville. The building was in very poor condition and renovation would require a great deal of TLC. Its’ intended future: the new home for Matthias James Pottery. After two years of renovations, a great deal of help from family, friends, and support from the Evansville community, the new gallery is nearing completion. The grand opening of Allen Creek Gallery, home of Matthias James Pottery is set for November of 2009. Not only would Allen Creek Gallery showcase award winning Matthias James Pottery, but also other potters, and artists of different mediums from all over the Midwest.

Matthias's view of art is simple and focused. He sees art as a celebration; whether in words, music, painting or clay. Art for him is a process of “putting together" with things that are already created. The celebration comes in the mystery of the final product.

”The art I produce is functional and nonfunctional pottery. The medium and materials I use in producing the pottery are first; a high fire stoneware clay rich with iron, and secondly; a variety of high fire glazes that produce reds, blues, browns, blacks, greens and whites.”

Matthias's pottery is made entirely by hand; most of the work is thrown on the potters’ wheel, while other pieces are created by hand with slab clay. Each piece is hand signed on the back. All pottery is made from high quality stoneware and fired to a temperature of 2300 degrees.

Each piece is entirely lead-free, oven proof, microwave and dishwasher safe.

Matthias and his wife, Lisa, began participating in art shows in 1995. His works are now displayed and sold throughout the Midwest at art shows and galleries. Over the years, Matthias has received many awards. These awards are on based originality, creativity, and aesthetics.

During the fall of 1997, Matthias and Lisa moved from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Evansville, Wisconsin, near Madison, relocating their studio. In 1999, they opened their gallery, giving customers the opportunity to view the studio with pieces in progress and have the opportunity to purchase finished work. Matthias continued to work and excel in his medium. As their children were born, Elijah in 2000, and Cassiah in 2002, he continued to divide his time between his art and having children at home.

To show his support for the community, Matthias began creating chili bowls for the annual “Chili Cook-Off” sponsored by the Evansville Community Partnership. Over the past nine years thousands of patrons have not only experienced this epicurean delight, but were also able to take with them a unique piece of Matthias’ art.

In 2002 Matthias met Gary Walker of Woodland Galleries; he joined a small team who collectively led the way in uniting artists from the smaller communities south of Madison forming what is now “14 South Artists.” 14 South Artists currently has a solid group of members, promoting fine arts in the communities south of Madison.

Lisa, Cassiah, Elijah and Matthias