Ephraim Pottery is a recent addition to the downtown business community. Although new to Lake Mills, the company has been in business since 1996. Its collectible limited edition art pottery has a national following and is considered by many to be the preeminent pottery of the Arts and Crafts Revival. The work of Ephraim’s eight artists is inspired by Nature and the aesthetic of the Arts and Crafts movement. Each piece is individually thrown on a potter’s wheel. The artists sculpt decorative motifs onto the forms, including flowers, plants, animals and geometric patterns. Matte crystalline glazes in rich, earthy tones give the forms color, texture and depth.

Ephraim’s gallery, located in the newly renovated Old Municipal Building on west Lake street, showcases the work created in its downstairs studio. A large selection of colors and designs are available. Prices range from $59 for a hand-thrown ornament to $800 for a large jardinière, with most pieces in the $128 to $248 range. The gallery also offers pieces with minor flaws at discounts of up to 50%. Arts and Crafts style furniture and accessories from other select craftspeople are also available, along with a selection of specialty magazines.

Ephraim collectors from across the country converge on Lake Mills twice a year: in late June during the Ephraim Faience Pottery Collectors’ Society Convention and again the first Saturday in December for Ephraim’s annual Holiday Pottery Fest. Stop in the gallery for details on these and other events or check the company’s web site, www.ephraimpottery.com. Tours and demonstrations are also given periodically; visit the gallery or check the web site for dates and times.