A Little Hobby Ceramics Studio expands business with new location in Fort Gratiot

A Little Hobby Ceramics Studio, owned and operated by the husband and wife team Harold “Hutch” and Kris Hutchinson, has relocated to Birchwood Mall in Fort Gratiot, opening the door for more opportunities for art enthusiasts.

Residents of Marysville, the Hutchinsons say they are thrilled with the success of their growing business. Beginning as a small shop in 2015 within the former First Congregational Church of Marysville, the church’s closure led the couple to open their own brick-and-mortar location in Marysville in 2021.

Kris Hutchinson says her passion for ceramic art dates back to her childhood, where she fondly recalls sitting on her mother’s lap to paint at a young age. Over the years, her enthusiasm for the craft only grew, eventually sharing it with her husband who became an adept slip-casting expert. At the studio, he oversees all aspects of production, utilizing on-site kilns to fire glazed pieces, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience for customers.

Emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of disconnecting from digital distractions, the Hutchinsons say their hobby-turned-business offers a unique opportunity for relaxation and socialization.

“Disconnecting is important,” Kris Hutchinson says. “Sitting quietly and painting while visiting with others relieves so much stress – better than a therapy session. When your hands are busy painting, you forget about everything digital.”

After rapidly outgrowing their Marysville studio, the Hutchinsons felt compelled to find a larger space and opened A Little Hobby Ceramics Studio in Birchwood Mall in early January. With four times the square footage of their former storefront, the Hutchinsons say they are excited to offer more options to their patrons at their new location.

The studio offers an open and welcoming environment, encouraging visitors to work at their own pace while offering one-on-one assistance as needed.

Customers can select a piece from a constantly growing collection, and create something unique in a “work at your own pace environment,” Kris Hutchinson says.

In addition to offering daily discounts for individuals under the age of 18, they also offer several ongoing initiatives all aimed at supporting over 40 young artists weekly through their Kids Art Program.

“We raised four children on very low income and found activities to entertain our family that didn’t break the budget,” Kris Hutchinson says.

The Hutchinsons say this is the driving force behind their mission which is rooted in providing affordable family activities. They say this is possible with the support from online and in-person donations including the donations of ceramic pieces from former studios, which are labeled and available for purchase in store with 100% of its proceeds supporting the Kids Art Program.

“We don’t keep any of this for ourselves,” Kris Hutchinson says.

For store information or to learn more about current offerings, visit alittlehobby.com.