Hidden Gem in Polk: Karen’s Ceramics Keeps Small-Town Tradition Alive
POLK — Tucked quietly along North Street, far from the rush of any main road, sits a little treasure many Ashland County residents have never heard of — Karen’s Ceramics. If you aren’t looking for it, you’ll miss it. But inside the modest shop at 610 North Street, you’ll find a warm smile, the smell of ceramic dust, stories that stretch back nearly 30 years, and a couple who turned a simple hobby into a labor of love.
Karen Shepard, 73, and her husband David, 77, run the small business together — pouring molds, cleaning pieces, firing kilns, teaching classes, and greeting each customer the same way: like old friends stopping by the farm.
“I started in 1996,” Karen said, seated among shelves lined with angels, Christmas trees, nativity sets, Native American sculptures, and a thousand other pieces. “My friend Betty had a ceramic shop in Savannah and later in Ashland. It was called BJ’s Ceramics. I loved it. After her shop burned down, I ended up with some molds — and I guess ceramic dust got in my blood and never left.”
The Shepards started small, pouring molds in their basement, painting pieces at the kitchen table, and bringing them to craft shows. Eventually they moved into the garage, and when that grew too crowded, they built a separate shop in 1996. Like many small businesses, they weathered ups and downs — including closing their shop in town when the economy took a hit in the early 2000s.
But in 2019, after finishing a day of baling hay on their family farm, Karen made a simple suggestion: “Let’s open the ceramic shop again.”
David didn’t argue — and the two got to work. They cleaned out the building, repainted, reorganized, and in October of 2021, held their grand reopening.
Today, they pour every piece themselves using liquid ceramic slip. David handles much of the pouring and kiln work — though he admits his least favorite job is cleaning the pieces when they come out of the mold. Karen still paints when she can, especially her favorite subject: Native American-themed pieces.
“He’s a tremendous help,” Karen said. “I don’t know what I’d do without him.”
A Place for Friends, Creativity, and “Girls’ Day Out”
The couple also offers workshops, where groups — often ladies looking for a relaxing afternoon — come to paint, talk, and escape the world for a little while. At the height of last year’s busy season, they had 17 people painting at once.
One of those helping hands is Becky Huff, who began ceramics just six months ago and now teaches classes at the shop.
“We usually have a class every weekend,” Becky said. “People pick out their piece, and we supply everything — the paint, brushes, everything. When they’re finished, they choose a matte or gloss finish, we spray it, and they take it home the same day.”
Upcoming classes include the always-popular ceramic Christmas trees and a December wreath class featuring a visiting artist. Private group classes for five or more people are also available.
Becky first came to Karen’s Ceramics earlier this year after a family loss — just looking for a peaceful place to clear her mind. “And now,” she laughed, “it’s turned into a full-time hobby.”
A True Small-Town Treasure
Karen has lived on the same Polk-area family farm her entire life, and she and David represent the kind of small-town spirit that makes Ashland County special — hard-working, friendly, talented, and dedicated to keeping old-fashioned crafts alive.
If you’re looking for a unique gift, a relaxing place to paint, or simply want to meet two of the nicest people you’ll ever shake hands with, take the drive out to Polk. It may feel like the middle of nowhere, but inside Karen’s Ceramics, you’ll find community, creativity, and the kind of small-town warmth that never goes out of style.
Karen’s Ceramics
610 North Street, Polk, Ohio
(419) 651-7035
Online ordering available through Karen Ceramics Shopify or facebook.com/karensceramics
Stop in, say hello, and see the magic that’s been poured — literally — into every piece.
