As many Minnesotans might know, during the summer months news station WCCO out of the Twin Cities does a 2-day segment called “Goin’ to the Lake” where they visit a new town each week and feature different local landmarks the viewers tell them to check out. On August 10 and 11, WCCO will be coming to Hutchinson, and we want them to visit The Clay Coyote Gallery and Pottery. Here’s just a few reasons why they, and you, should come visit:
- Family owned and operated with exceptional staff
The Clay Coyote started over two decades ago in rural Hutchinson by founders Betsy Price and Tom Wirt. Their goal was to create functional, handmade, affordable pottery in central Minnesota, and that goal still holds true today as Betsy’s daughter and son-in-law, Morgan and Ian, own the shop. The owners, as well as the staff and potters, provide a family-like atmosphere with their wonderful personalities and passion for the business and art they make. - Home of first handmade grill basket
The Clay Coyote was the first pottery studio to make a handmade ceramic grilling basket that could be used on direct flame without breaking. This flameware piece is usable on all types of grills, cleans easily, and is scratch resistant. The basket allows the food you are grilling to have that savory, smoky taste without it burning. It fits right inside your grill and you can easily shut the lid without hitting the basket and have extra grilling space. Whether it’s fresh veggies or just-caught fish, you’ll get that beloved grill taste every time. 
Minnesota Business Connect Company for 52nd Super Bowl
The Clay Coyote teamed up with the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism to apply to be a part of Super Bowl LII. The Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee was looking for local, diverse businesses to showcase. After lots of workshops and pitching days, The Clay Coyote featured their ‘ultimate tailgating tool’, the flameware grill basket (mentioned above), as a possible VIP gift for Super Bowl 52 goers.- Feature artists from all over the United States
In the gallery, Clay Coyote sells work from artists all across North America. A mission of theirs is to support the arts community, and this is a fabulous way to do so. Another way they do this is by hosting the Minnesota Pottery Festival every year during the month of July. Artists have come from Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, and many more states to have their work featured here and the Clay Coyote does a wonderful job not only hosting the event but hosting the potters during their stay. Growing and forming the connections among the art community and encouraging the community members to get involved is a goal they stick true to. - Help emerging potters get a start in the right direction
The newest addition to the Clay Coyote is an incubator studio that emerging artists can use to get experience working in a studio and selling their work. Because starting a pottery studio is so expensive, this gives new artists a chance to get on their feet and share resources. This mission of Clay Coyote’s helps the potters get a taste of what it’s like to start a small business, and keeps the passion of art alive for generations to come. 
Have functional, decorative, affordable pieces
The Clay Coyote strives to provide customers with functional clay cookware they can use daily. Some of our pieces we are most known for are the grill basket, the cazuela, cassole, tagine, and vinegar crocks (shown below). Most of these pieces are ethnic cooking dishes from different cultures. The cazuela is for Spanish cooking, the tagine is a Mediterranean cooking dish, and the cassole is for French cooking. All of these pieces can be used to make other cuisine besides the one of its origination. The vinegar crock is used to make homemade vinegar, but can also be used to make lemonades and teas. Each piece is made with care and passion in order to be functional, beautiful, and affordable for the buyer.- Importance of shopping local and giving to the community
Hutchinson is a small town with a big heart. The community invests in local businesses and supports the arts community in whatever way they can. The Clay Coyote does just that with our drive to support new artists, involve the community in various events they host, and by promoting our pieces. Many of the staff devote their time not only at the Clay Coyote but volunteering at other local events put on in the community. Coming together to support one another shows how strong-knit our community is and how important it is to continue this type of giving.
Clay Coyote is a family owned business that truly makes you feel at home when you walk through the door. Open every day of the week, Monday-Saturday 10-5pm and Sunday noon-4pm, it’s a great place to visit and give your support to. Should you find yourself making your way towards Hutchinson in the future, stop by Clay Coyote to experience what we have to offer.
Support Clay Coyote by going to WCCO Facebook page and suggest they go to Clay Coyote in Hutchinson on August 10 and 11!
