About Us

Our clay story began with Kelly’s grandparents, Gus and Bunny, taking enrichment classes in ceramics at Forest Hills Northern High School in Grand Rapids in the 60’s. Gus and Bunny were old school, meaning that they did it all—fishing, farming, construction, cooking, baking, sign painting, crafting, and—of course—ceramics. Gus and Bunny exemplified the maker spirit and their ceramics are a lasting memory to those who knew them.

Lucky Bunny Arts was founded after Kelly and John received a kiln from Gus, but it’s not their first creative endeavor. John is a professional photographer and an artist working in illustration, woodworking, and ceramics. Kelly was raised in the maker spirit and started in clay when she was just a girl, working with her grandparents at their kitchen table. She has spent her professional career in creative fields. The family tradition continues with John and Kelly’s kids—the fourth generation of ceramic artists!

Gus was still making things from clay well into his 90s. He describes his work as “a bit more rustic” than John and Kelly’s work. He loves that they have created Lucky Bunny Arts in memory of his wife. Bunny made ceramic ladybug magnets that are seen on the refrigerators of almost everyone who knew her. She worked tirelessly behind the scenes doing most of Gus’s glazing and creating embellishments for his creations. When Gus and Bunny exhibited at shows, including the Breton Village Art Fair in Grand Rapids, Kelly loved tagging along and selling her ceramic worms for a dollar. Kelly's Grandma fueled her creative spirit and always supported her (often with molasses cookies!). Today, Kelly and John hope their children feel the same... you may even find a little ceramic gem in their booth created by one of the kids!

Kelly and John do their best to find the time to do it all and do it well—like Kelly’s grandparents did. Lucky Bunny Arts is their creative outlet. They enjoy the making and sharing of objects that are a reflection and celebration of the life, love and humor they find in themselves. They are committed to the art of hand building and throwing with clay. No molds are used in the creation of their artwork, everything is formed by hand.

Click here to find us on Social Media and what art shows we will be attending!