About the Artist

Montgomery Raku
and Artworks

Montgomery Raku & Artworks

Each piece is handmade by Noah and Jen in their country studio in Central Wisconsin.

Raku pottery is an art form that originated in Japan, in the late 1500’s. The term raku actually translates to enjoyment or ease. It was believed that the raku artist is a potter who lives the technique, not just uses it.

Raku is different from traditional pottery. The pieces are taken out of the kiln, while they are glowing hot around 1800F., and put into reduction barrels, where combustibles create the art of the flame! The fire and smoke create amazing designs, shapes, and patterns on each piece. It is an art form that is completely unique and amazing!

Noah hand makes all of his own glazes both crackle and metallic. Crackle glazes are the traditional Japanese raku style.Metallic glazes are the American raku style invented in the 1960's.

Above are examples of some of our raku glazes. We are always experimenting with new glazes, techniques, and combustibles. Also, because the flame directly impacts the result of the piece, no two pieces will ever look the same even if glazed with the same glaze in the same firing. That is why raku is so unique~!

Noah Montgomery
is a master potter, who has been creating professionally for over 16 years. Born in Door County Wisconsin, in 1973, he gained a love of working with clay as a small child. He had works displayed in the Milwaukee Art Museum in High School and was a founding father to one of Wisconsin's only production potteries. Noah decided a long time ago that pottery was his life.

Now let us begin a new chapter in Noah's career- Montgomery Raku and Artworks! After years of production pottery work, Noah has decided to settle down in the countryside of central WI with his lovely wife Jennifer. There they have built a studio, set up kilns, and began making some of the coolest raku pottery Wisconsin has ever seen. Please enjoy your journey through our website!

Jen Montgomery
is Noah's best friend and wife. She also has a love for art. She has been drawing, painting, and coloring since she was a little girl. She got her bachelor's degree at U.W. Oshkosh and is a high school art teacher, educating for over 8 years. She really enjoys teaching her students how to make glass beads, silk scarves, pottery, tie-dye and jewelry. She works side by side with Noah to make Montgomery Raku and Artworks a thriving cottage industry.

OUR NEW ADDITION....

Willow Meleddy Montgomery born on June 8th, 2011. She is by far our favorite creation! These are photos from month 6.

Meet our two employees.... Gypsy and Bandit. They keep Noah company while Jen's at school, they bring tons of sticks, and give out lots of kisses!!!

BANDIT

GYPSY

AWARDS/RECOGNITION

WAUPACA 2011 ARTS ON THE SQUARE BLUE RIBBON
NEW LONDON 2011 BEST OF SHOW
WO ZHA WA 2010 CERAMICS 1st PLACE
WAUPACA POST FEATURE FOR 2010 ARTS ON THE SQUARE

Montgomery Raku & Artworks
PO Box 2, Saxeville, WI 54976
(920) 229-9786