Ceramics
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Ray
& Tami Bier
Bier Art Gallery
03500
U.S 31 South
Charlevoix, MI 49720
Phone: 231.547.2288
Toll Free: 866-880-5624
WEB: BierGallery.com
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| Ray and Tami Bier met while working at Todd Warner's studio in Bay Shore,
Michigan over twenty years ago. Both had various studio jobs, which laid the
groundwork for building their own studio years later. They married shortly
after and began their quest to become independent craftsmen producing their
own line of stoneware pottery.
For many years, they pounded the beats doing art fairs and selling small
vases to floral shops throughout Michigan. They traveled as far a Coconut
Grove, Florida to Davenport, Iowa. During this period the Ann Arbor Summer
Art Fair was their main selling venue. Much of their time was spent perfecting their techniques and honing their skills to develop marketable
items with Tami learning to sculpt clay and Ray perfecting his throwing skills. It was really a time of growth with a whole lot of blood, sweat,
and tears as they built their small business.
When they decided to start a family, the urge to stay off the road and raise
their children was strong. They knew they needed to find a permanent location to start to build their business. Judy and Norman
Brumm, who had a
successful business in Norwood at that time, were friends of Ray's and Judy
suggested that he stop in at Staffel's Pottery. Bonnie Staffel was inspiring as well as
encouraging.
The seed was planted and Ray and Tami
began their quest to find the right location. The old Hilton Schoolhouse lay
vacant for years until the Bier's, along with their partners at that time,
decided to go for it. There was much to be done that first year before
opening the doors but with everyone pitching in it worked out.
Fortunately, the Schoolhouse was in the Charlevoix area, which was a
growing tourist destination for thousands of people. It took only a
matter of time to create a dedicated following of customers by
advertising and hard work.
Today, over twenty years later, the Bier's are the sole owners and have
built a strong year round business. Still carrying the artwork of their former partners,
along with over forty other artists, the variety offered is
stunning. The old schoolhouse has blossomed with a new and vibrant life. The
Gallery exudes the energy and enthusiasm of the owners as well as the
artists represented.
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Vase,
Ray Bier
High Fired Stoneware
7" Hx 51/2 W"
Giraffe
Sculpture
Tami Bier
High Fired Stoneware
10" H x 7" W |
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Pottery
/ Ray Bier
High Fired Stoneware
Vase, 9¾" H x 6½" W
Vase, 8" H x 6½" W
Vase, 4½" H x 4¾" W |
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Whale
Sculpture
Tami Bier
51/2 H" x 10" W x 14" L
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Bier
Gallery
03500
U.S 31 South
Charlevoix, MI 49720
Phone: 231.547.2288
Toll Free: 866-880-5624
Open Daily
Late April through December Summer
Hours
10am - 6pm
For
a printable map and directions:
CLICK HERE
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Copyright © 2006, Ray & Tami Bier.
All rights reserved. All images and designs on this World Wide Web site
are for public viewing only and are protected under United States and
International copyright laws. No reproduction rights are granted,
licensed or sanctioned in any form or manner and are hereby exclusively
reserved by Ray & Tami Bier.
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