About
A family business
Riverside Pottery is very literally a small business. Our handmade pottery involves the whole family. Hans does the glazing and firing and some of the hand-building while Susanna does the throwing, painting and etching of designs. David is responsible for one-of-a-kind piggybanks and ornaments, as well as being the market assistant and general helper!
At Riverside Pottery, we produce uniquely whimsical and functional stoneware. Our handmade pottery pieces are inspired by the animals we love and the nature around us, and each is created individually. A customized ordering process ensures you order pottery according to your own preferences.
This website offers examples of a variety of the designs that we regularly create. Because each piece is handmade, some variability in colour, size and shape is to be expected. Therefore, we have opted to not use a “Click and Shop” process.
We ask that you order directly from us for a uniquely personal shopping experience, so that we can understand your preferences. The item you are looking for may be in stock, or we can create something to order.
We welcome special orders! Please note that a small additional fee ($5 per piece) is added for custom orders.
Hans Katzur and Susanna Steinitz
Part of a community of artists
Bear River, Nova Scotia, is a beautiful area with a diverse population; a Mi’kmaq community, families who have lived here for generations and “come from aways”. Its natural beauty is no doubt part of why this community seems to attract artisans. A variety of talented individuals make their homes here, and each year we produce an “Artist Trail” brochure.
Click here to view the latest brochure, which features a map and description of artists who look forward to welcoming you to their studios this year.
other galleries
Bear River is also home to several galleries. Click the links below to learn more.
The Flight of Fancy – a well established and curated gallery, featuring a wide selection of art and crafts
Bear River Artworks Gallery – a selection of local artists
Sissiboo Coffee – locally roasted fair trade coffee, with an ever-changing gallery of artwork
Blue Mind Gallery – a lovely small gallery featuring a beautifully displayed selection of finely crafted work.
We are proud to make a line of pottery exclusively for Blue Mind Gallery, featuring a whale tail design.
Artisans represented by Riverside Pottery
In addition to our pottery, we have a selection of work by other artists and crafts people for sale at the Riverside Pottery studio shop.
These artists include:
Ayelet Stewart creates uniquely beautiful jewelry, using sterling silver, semi-precious stones and hand crafted elements. Many of Ayelet’s pieces that we carry in our shop are inspired by maritime themes.
Regina Marzlin uses a variety of techniques – including dyeing, printmaking, quilting and applique – in her gorgeous fabric art. We are so pleased to have a few of her pieces in our shop.
Follow Regina on Instagram @reginamarzlin
David and Rosemary Furlong at The Garden Bee produce beautiful 100% beeswax candles. We carry tapers and a small selection of pillars and cottage candles in our shop.
Groovy Goat soap is a delightful goats milk based soap made in Cape Breton, and comes in a variety of scents. We are pleased to sell their soap to go with our soap dishes.
Sharon Heeney
Sharon Heeney creates uniquely beautiful jewelry using sterling silver, sea glass and semi-precious stones. Many of her pieces also feature hand-forged links and other unique elements.
Jay LeBlanc is based in Little Brook, Digby County. She creates gorgeous stained glass pieces that are truly one of a kind. We love having her work in our shop!
Follow Jay on Instagram @jaymjbird
Larry Knox is a fine metalsmith who lives in Bear River and is part of the Artist Trail as well as having work at the Artworks Gallery. We also carry a few pieces of his lovely copper enameled jewelry in our shop.
Ernest Cadegan is a photographer based in the Annapolis Valley. He captures unique images of the animals and landscapes around him. We are pleased to carry some of his cards and prints in our shop – he clearly loves animals almost as much as we do!