The Pottery Shop

Driven by an inner motivation, the founder and self-taught artist, Karen Engevik, evolved her passion into a full-time job. Our goal is to create artistic, functional, and affordable ceramics that capture the essence of nature and wildlife.

If you want something personally made for you, or as a gift for someone else, get in touch!

All pottery is safe for food, dishwasher, oven, and microwave use.
Awarded with Featured Artist Award (2013), Northwest Star Artist Award (2015) and the Owner‘s Choice Award (2015)

Philosophy

The surrounding Minnesota nature and wildlife inspire the artist. Stories with movement-filled designs are the core element of Black Horse Pottery and Tile. Pottery should be a part of everyday life, not only decoration. The artistic, yet functional, warm, and rustic character provides a long lasting asset to a comfortable home. We enjoy the personal connection to our customers that we gain with each project. Next to exploring and expressing new ideas, creating and translating your vision through the artist’s eyes is our highest aim.

Workplace & Process

The pottery shop is directly next to the family home where Karen and Nathans’ children grew up. There is enough space for all of the animals that Karen has adopted or rescued over time. Surrounded by the woods, with dogs, chickens, and horses for companions, the family farm provides a creative habitat for a wonderful balance between work and life.

Plans for the Future

Karen’s daughter Katie will join the company as an independent artist by helping Karen with her work. In time, she will add pieces to the product range with her own artistic point of view. Black Horse Pottery assists other local artist showcase their work. A schedule for pottery workshops or single lessons is in the making.

The Artist

Karen Engevik, born in 1954, grew up on small farm in Minnesota with her twin sister Kathy, her brother Jim, and her oldest sister Dorothy. At an early age, she was already drawing horses which developed into a lifelong passion. At three years old, she begged her father to buy a draft horse. That interest and curiosity is still deeply rooted in her work. With her big heart, she developed a pattern of rescuing all kinds of animals. These animals later became the study subjects of her real life drawings and paintings.

After graduating from Moorhead State University with a teaching Degree in Special Education and Elementary Education, she attended the University of Minnesota and earned a Masters Degree in Special Education, specializing in visual impairment. From 1977-2011 she pursued her career as a teacher in Roseau, Minnesota and expanded her artistic knowledge and skill set outside of the classroom.

In early 2000, she founded her pottery business and has worked, since her retirement in 2011, full-time on her passion. Over the years, her family became increasingly involved and is now an integral part of the company.

The Team