The coronavirus pandemic has changed our everyday life, but it doesn't need to change who we are. So, in addition to our ongoing coverage of the coronavirus, OnMilwaukee will continue to report on cool, fun, inspiring and strange stories from our city and beyond. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay informed and stay joyful. We're all in this together. #InThisTogetherMKE
Beth Eaton started making pottery in her Bay View studio two decades ago and over the years her signature style has become immediately and joyfully recognizable at art fairs, festivals and consignment shops.
Eaton opened her first shop, 815 E. Potter Ave., earlier this year. The fact she found the perfect permanent space to sell her ultra-cute clay creations on Potter Avenue was not a coincidence lost on Eaton.
"Although I never thought about opening a space before, once I did everything quickly fell into place," says Eaton.
When the coronavirus pandemic hit Milwaukee, Eaton had to quickly adapt her business to accommodate the lack of walk-in customers.
Thus, she started a "window shopping" experience that encourages people to walk or drive by her shop, look at her available wares in the window and then order and pay online. She leaves the purchases on her stoop after disinfecting everything, from the art to the strings on the bag.
She also posts photos of her pottery on her Instagram and Facebook pages.
"I've really appreciated people buying themselves a little treat or thinking ahead and getting gifts for loved ones for birthdays or holidays in the future," says Eaton.
This summer, if possible, Eaton plans to host small events – both indoors and out – in the new space.
Born and raised in Racine, Eaton graduated from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. From her very first ceramics class at UWM, Eaton knew it was the perfect art form for her.
"It hasn't been easy to adapt to the situation and at times I've felt creatively crushed, but overall I am grateful for my customers and the chance to attract new ones during this difficult time," says Eaton.
Go here to order something fun.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.