Our Story

In the winter of 1977 a group of Maine potters envisioned a cooperative market for their wares. The idea was to have a place where potters would take turns running the store and where our customers would be able to learn about, and buy pottery directly from the makers.

The Maine Potters Market opened in Boothbay Harbor in the summer of 1978. Bolstered by modest success, the next spring we opened a small year-round store at 9 Moulton Street in Portland, participating in the transformation of the waterfront into the “Old Port,” which has become a mecca for cultural events, artisans, and shoppers.

Our Moulton St. store narrowly escaped damage from the neighboring Mariners Church fire in 1984. This landmark 1828 building at 376 Fore Street underwent a total makeover, and the Maine Potters Market seized the opportunity to move into our present home in November 1987. We more than doubled our display space, invited new potters to join us, designed and built displays and lighting, and created our showcase gallery at the heart of the Old Port.

Coming from diverse backgrounds, we pool our strengths to maintain a unique and thriving business that is now one of the oldest in the Old Port. We appreciate our customers who know the value of buying fine pottery, handmade in Maine, and have supported us, their local potters.

Times have changed, potters have come and gone, but many things at the Maine Potters Market remain the same. We always have a tremendous variety of the best of Maine’s handmade pottery, and most days you still will find a potter working in the store.