Mean Mugs Pottery: CLC Artisan

The season of summer is beloved for the vibrancy, warmth and fruitfulness of our surroundings. On Aug. 9–11, Salt Lake City will celebrate summertime, along with the best of our state’s DIY engineers, craft foodies, performers and craftspeople at the 11th Annual Craft Lake City DIY Festival Presented By Harmons at the Utah State Fairpark. Every year, Craft Lake City commemorates the best of Utah’s creators, this year being CLC’s first at the Utah State Fairpark—there is much to celebrate! Visit craftlakecity.com to learn more about the 11th DIY Festival.

Looking to take more socially conscious sips this summer? Mean Mugs pottery (meanmugspottery.com), established in 2016, creates industrial-style artisan stoneware pieces that are anything but disposable. Owner Jessica Thesing says, “We’re committed to making products that change people’s relationship with their ‘stuff.’” Thesing and her team make heirloom, lifetime pieces by hand, stewarding a little-to-no waste operation.

Much more than just a drinking vessel, each MMP mug is handmade with recycled materials from start to finish. MMP has invested in equipment that allows them to use wet clay and clay scraps. They also partner with a local recycler to reuse their extra materials. All pieces are hand-thrown on a pottery wheel or individually pressed then completed with the initials of the artisan who made it. The personality and individuality of the craft is essential in making a “mug with meaning.” Whether for work or home, an MMP mug is an item to be cherished and cared for.

In addition to strong eco-friendly values, MMP has community at the heart of their mission. You might see MMP mugs around town at some of your favorite foodie destinations, as they have partnered with local businesses such as The Park Café and A. Fisher Brewery Co. to create unique designs that represent Utah. Thesing says, “Our doors are always open to the community. We participate in local events, offer discounted pricing and donations to nonprofit organizations, and provide input and cooperation to local groups doing amazing things.” As Mean Mugs grows, they hope to host classes and workshops in their studio space.

Mean Mugs are available for business, gift and retail markets. To shop their designs and learn more about their mission, check out their website or find them on Instagram @meanmugspotteryco.  MMP is thrilled to be participating in Craft Lake City DIY Festival this year, be sure to stop by their booth to find an array of pottery and jewelry pieces. –Kia McGinnis Wray

More on SLUGMag.com:

Rose Line Pottery: CLC Artisan
World of More Craft: Craft Lake City Spice Up the Valley