Contact Us
American Players Theatre
5950 Golf Course Road
P.O. Box 819
Spring Green, WI 53588
(Map)
Box Office: 608-588-2361
Administration: 608-588-7401
Fax: 608-588-7085
Area Guide Spotlight: Brewery Pottery
Posted July 9, 2025
Now that summer is officially upon us, we want you to take in all the season has to offer. Consider visiting, staying, shopping and eating local by consulting APT’s helpful Area Guide on your next visit to Spring Green. APT’s Area Guide Spotlight series highlights all the things that make the Driftless area so incredible, including some of our favorite finds that should definitely be included on your summer itinerary.
For those interested in hidden gems tucked away in unexpected locations, Brewery Pottery in Mineral Point is an absolute must. Housed in a historic 1850s brewery bursting with character, this studio and store combine craft with connection as artists and owners Diana, Tom and Claire Johnston welcome visitors to experience art in action.
APT had the opportunity to ask the charming Johnston family some questions about the journey of Brewery Pottery and their ongoing quest to create things for the every day with extraordinary care and love.
Brewery Pottery
276 Shakerag Street, Mineral Point, WI
(608) 987-3669 | brewerypottery.com
About Brewery Pottery
Whether you're looking for art, history, or both – Brewery Pottery is sure to pique your interest. Housed within a rambling former 1850s brewery, Brewery Pottery, is a large gallery nestled on the edge of historic Mineral Point – just a short (and beautiful) drive from Spring Green. Brewery Pottery features the work of over 200 distinctive artists as well as a full line of pottery made in house. Items from local and regional craftspeople as well as global fair trade items are available daily. Discover pottery, jewelry, handcrafted items curated for the kitchen and home, original paintings, clocks, sculptures and more. Visitors to the gallery are able (and encouraged!) to step inside and explore the working pottery studio located within the gallery. Poke around, ask questions, and have fun! Gallery open daily, 10am-5pm, year-round.
A Home for Creativity
Visitors of Brewery Pottery may be surprised to discover that the gallery is located inside one of the oldest standing former brewery buildings in Wisconsin. People brewed beer inside the building from 1850 until 1961, most notably the Mineral Spring Brewing Company which operated for 63 consecutive years. People may also be interested to learn that the building has always been a "home of makers". The building was built as a brewery and was a brewery from day one. However, after the brewery closed its doors in 1961, Ken Colwell, an artist and weaver, operated "The Looms". He occupied the space with weaving equipment (many Jacquard looms) and taught textile classes until 1991 when Diana and Tom Johnston moved their pottery studio into the building. The Johnstons have been "making" in this space since 1991. Stop by anytime to see the pottery studio and gallery housed within this unique location.
Brewery Pottery (the brick and mortar gallery) was born in 1994 but the seeds were planted a few decades earlier in the mid 1970s when owners and artists, Diana and Tom Johnston, fell in love with pottery and became full time potters. They created (and continue to create!) full lines of wheel thrown and slab built ceramic pieces in both stoneware and porcelain clay. Along the way, their daughter Claire joined the pottery business and today the three of them enjoy working, making, and collaborating daily in the studio and gallery. In addition to all the pottery made in house, Brewery Pottery is proud to carry the works of over 200 distinctive artists.
Mineral Point focuses heavily on two pathways – its unique history and nurturing its robust creative energy. Brewery Pottery is no different in its focus. History is found around every corner. Similarly, creative expression is found quite literally everywhere you look. We love Mineral Point, the friendly and openminded community, and enjoy opening our doors year round to welcome visitors and friends (both new and old!) to Brewery Pottery.
The Process in Action
Brewery Pottery is proud to be involved with several events throughout the year. One of our favorite annual events is the Fall Art Tour (October 17, 18 & 19, 2025). Guests of the Fall Art Tour are able to go beyond the gallery and into the studios of 60+ artists including our studio where you'll see pottery demonstrations all weekend. Brewery Pottery also hosts four art shows during Gallery Night in Mineral Point. This year on April 5, June 7, August 2, and December 6. Galleries and shops in Mineral Point will stay open "bonus late night hours" from 5 PM-9 PM on those nights. We also host one free studio day at Brewery Pottery. On November 8th we invite the public into the studio to make a free ceramic ornament. We'll supply everything you'll need and fire it too. You pick it up on December 6th (during Gallery Night) or anytime after.
A Piece of Driftless Art to take Home
Just like American Players Theatre, Brewery Pottery offers an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience visitors will enjoy and remember fondly for years to come. At Brewery Pottery, in addition to finding a unique experience, visitors will also find timeless heirlooms lovingly created to enhance their hearts and homes. We love the human touch, authentic stories, and passion behind pieces made by hand, one at a time. Bringing together artwork by people who put their hearts into their creations is our mission at Brewery Pottery. Knowing the artists behind the pieces, telling their stories and making a connection between you and these artists is a pleasure we enjoy each day.
Welcome to the Workshop!
Brewery Pottery is open daily 10 AM - 5 PM all year round and shopping is available online 24/7 at brewerypottery.com. Brewery Pottery is fairly active on social media and can be found @brewerypottery on Instagram and Facebook. Please give us a follow, a like, or a little shout. We love connecting with new friends!
We also write a monthly email newsletter. While we enjoy the convenience of social media, we love connecting with you directly in your inbox. Sign up at brewerypottery.com if you'd enjoy being part of out newsletter family, we'd love to have you!
In a world where disposables are the norm and cheap mass production is around most corners – dare to be different, life is short. Buy the art. Eat the cake. See the show. Love your neighbors. And never forget to have fun!