Agape Pottery

992 Aura Dr

Rockford, IL 61108

(815) 978-1887

don@agapepottery.com

Don Fuchs

Potter, Designer, Model Maker, Mold Maker

1972-1982:  I spent ten years learning ceramic artistry.  I took all the college level ceramic classes that I could find to perfect my skill.  During that time, I was fortunate to receive mentoring by a gifted ceramic instructor, Kit Scheidenhelm.  Kit spent countless hours teaching me the art of ceramics and would often times cut my "masterpieces" in half to explain a point.  I have Kit to thank for my enthusiastic love of ceramic art.

1982-1986: I worked with Tom Guirl at Beaver Creek Pottery. We developed and marketed a product line in the Rockford area. We continue to collaborate and brainstorm ideas and I value

the friendship greatly.

1986-2005: Model maker, Mold Maker, Operation Manager for Haeger Pottery.  I have gained an incredible amount of skill and knowledge from many brilliant people at Haeger Pottery. Alrun Guest, the most talented ceramic engineer that I've ever had the pleasure to know, is at the top of the list.

2003: I built Agape Pottery Ceramic Studio at 992 Aura drive with the help and support of family and friends. The studio fulfilled a 20 year dream to own a ceramic business.

2006: Subcontracting model making time to several major ceramic manufacturing companies. Making pots and cultivate my ceramic voice along with scheduling art fairs and having fun doing what I love to do.

2007:  I've been traveling in the midwest participating in Fine Art Fairs.  My products include functional stoneware as well as decorative Raku ceramics.  I'm also venturing to the Bristol Renaissance Faire with my partner Leean Sahagun.  Together we are operating The Clay Cauldron.

Later this year: Working with Ralph Ruark, from Ruark Engineering, to design and build a gas kiln.  Ralph is a skilled combustion engineer who is a good friend I met through Haeger.

Thank yous

I thank God for His constant love, shown to me in a multitude of ways.

I thank my parents Tom and Jean Fuchs for always believing in me.

I thank my church family at Mt. Olive Lutheran for being the blessing they are.

I thank my daughters Maggie, Lisa and Hannah for humoring me.

Finally I thank  my wife Jody for her continued support and being the best behind the scene person I could ever pray for. I'm no one without her. Dreams do come true!