Akron Life September 2022

AMISH COUNTRY

the dishwasher, in the microwave, in the oven. … And it holds up.”

signature. Pieces with traditional patterns, such as the peacock pattern, which is character ized by dot-like shapes, are priced lower than others. “There are unique patterns that a certain artist has developed, and only they will paint it, or somebody under their supervi sion,” Chenevey says. “Then there are some that are called signature patterns, meaning that the artist that developed the pattern actually painted the piece themselves.” Most items at Old World are decorated in multiple patterns and colors, so customers can choose what they like best. “People mix and match all the dif ferent patterns,” Chenevey says. While mugs, such as bubble mugs, bistro mugs and cappuc cino mugs, are popular choices, some of the most sought-after pieces are the soup mugs, which

are mugs with a large handle. “You can use it for soup, cereal, oatmeal, ice cream, dips to pass around,” Chenevey says. “It’s kind of unique to Polish pottery.” Other popular items include bakeware like lasagna bakers and regular bakers, which have rolled edges to make them easier to take out of the oven. “If you’re doing a casserole like a lasagna dish or rectan gular baker,” he says, “and you take it to a family gather ing, it’s going to stand out.” Chenevey points out that Polish pottery makes a beauti ful addition to your house even when you’re not actively using it. “If they’re not cook ing or baking in it, they’ll put it as a centerpiece,” he says. The selection at Old World is one of the largest displays of Polish pottery in Ohio, and it was also featured in the

book “100 Things to Do in Ohio’s Amish Country Before You Die,” by Brandy Gleason, which came out in May. “We have had people in our shop that live in 32 foreign countries,” Chenevey says, “and In addition to the wide selection of charming handmade pottery, customers also enjoy the views and peaceful atmosphere that a trip to Amish Country provides. And after they visit, they get to enjoy the splash of color and craftsmanship that their Polish pottery adds to their homes. “A number of customers have said, I just enjoy getting up when I see my piece, and, It just brings a smile, ” Chenevey says. AS 7110 Massillon Road SW, Navarre, just over 2 miles north of Mount Eaton on state Route 241, oldworldpolishpottery.com we’ve had people multiple times from all 50 states.”

Old World is in its 13th year, and it offers 175 categories of pottery. In 2020, it virtually introduced its customers to some of the people who paint the pottery in Poland. Some artists, like Teresa Liana, have been painting pieces for over 20 years, and others, like K. Deptuka, are skilled artisans in their early 30s. Their inspira tions for designs come from dif ferent places too. Maria Starzyk is inspired by the geometry she sees in nature, while Teresa Andrukiewicz chooses designs by what she’s feeling in the moment. “They will create their own they also do some freehand painting,” Chenevey says. Customers can choose from three types of patterns: tradi tional, unikat (unique) and handstamps. Once they have that on the pottery,

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