Bird Creek potter celebrates 33 years

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Peter Brondz has been making functional pottery in Bird Creek since 1979. Nov. 27, 2012

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Turnagain Arm is one of southcentral Alaska's best-kept secrets. While there are more than a handful of potters who subsist off of their art, few have been doing it longer than Peter Brondz.

To find his studio, drive down the Seward Highway to Bird Creek. Turn onto Stellar Jay Lane, go to the power line and turn right, you can't miss it. But many do miss it. How often do we drive from Anchorage to Girdwood without even a thought of what lies in the thick woods of Bird Creek? For Brondz, that is part of the reason why he chose to settle in Bird. The peace and quiet fuels his creativity.

Born in Fairbanks, Brondz' family left Alaska when he was young. But at 19, he returned to the state to study ceramics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Dropping out after a year, he commercial fished for a while before deciding to pursue his dream of becoming a potter. In 1979 he moved to Indian, renting a kiln for a few years. In 1983 he bought land in Bird and built his first studio, and today works out of the large studio he completed in 1985.

For 33 years, Peter Brondz has been making and selling functional pottery from his studio and gallery in Bird. While you can find his wares at stores such as Habitat in Anchorage, it is worth the drive to see his work at the studio where it is made. It's almost always open. But for the best selection, check out the annual Brondz Studio Show this weekend, Dec 1-2, 2012, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Over a thousand pieces will be available, and you'll be able to tour the studio and meet the artist himself. If you get lost on your way, call him at 907-653-7272.