Elva Pottery

From the age of 17, Michael Coon always wanted to be a potter. So, it made sense that Michael, and his wife, Kim Christianson, launched Elva Pottery in 1997 at the Minneapolis Farmers Market.

From the beginning, things went well for the husband and wife team. "The business really took off right away", explained Kim. "It is so rewarding and it really is a gift to be able to be an artist and get paid for it. That is really hard to do, but we do it."

Elva Pottery's specialty is all "functional pottery." Each item created by Elva Pottery is either functional art or functional pottery. Pottery sold by the business includes bowls, vases, platters, mugs, cups, plates, dinnerware and canisters.

For Michael and Kim, becoming a vendor at the Minneapolis Farmers Market has been the dream of a lifetime. "I absolutely love the Farmers Market", stated Kim in a recent interview. "We like to be out there with the growers, the flowers, the changing of the seasons, and the wonderful diversity of people."

Kim views the Farmers Market as more than an outdoor retail space. "The market has really become a gathering spot for the community", said Kim. "It is becoming like the streets of Italy where you are able to buy art from the artists directly."

Michael Coon and Kim Christianson plan on selling their pottery and art at the Farmers Market for years to come. "You get an experience at the Market that you don't get at a regular mall", explains Kim. "I love how the market supports artists and small businesses."

When asked how long Elva Pottery will remain at the Farmers Market, Kim simply replied, "We'll continue until we die."