Miami Valley Pottery: A Must‑Visit Destination in Yellow Springs, Ohio
Miami Valley Pottery began with Naysan McIlhargey, a Yellow Springs native who first encountered pottery through a high school “Community Experience” program. That early introduction led to years of study, including a degree in ceramics from Earlham College and apprenticeships with master potters in Ohio and Connecticut, tracing a lineage back to renowned ceramicists like Bernard Leach and Michael Cardew. In 2004, Naysan returned home with his wife Jalana Lazar and stepfather David Mader to establish a pottery studio rooted in global technique and local spirit.
What sets Miami Valley Pottery apart is its dedication to traditional wood firing, a process where pieces are placed in a massive Anagama kiln and left unglazed. As the fire burns for days, wood ash settles and melts onto the pottery, creating natural finishes that can’t be replicated. The result is a one-of-a-kind surface on every piece, rich with earthy tones, golden flashes, and textured detail.
Each kiln firing is theme-based, from “Tiny Pots” to “Dinnerware: A Pageantry of Plates,” allowing for exploration in both form and technique. Inside the studio and showroom, visitors can browse entire collections from each firing, all shaped by hand and fired through community effort.
Naysan’s passion stems from his deep study of international ceramics and his belief in the power of craftsmanship. His work combines functionality with artistic integrity, and the attention to detail in each piece reflects that commitment. For him, the process is about more than producing pottery, it’s about honoring tradition, embracing imperfection, and creating meaningful work that connects people.
Though located outside of town, Miami Valley Pottery has built a loyal following. It’s not your typical retail space. Without relying on conventional advertising, the studio uses a personal mailing list and themed postcards to announce each semi-annual kiln opening sale. Word-of-mouth among collectors and pottery enthusiasts continues to drive steady traffic, making the studio a destination all its own.
Airing Wednesday, August 13, 20205 @ 8:30am EST
In addition to studio visits, Naysan’s work is featured every fall at The Winds Cafe in Yellow Springs, offering another opportunity to experience his distinctive ceramics in a local, art-focused setting.
For those who appreciate tradition, creativity, and a strong sense of place, Miami Valley Pottery is more than a business, it’s a must-visit destination that represents the best of Yellow Springs.
