About Perennial Pottery

About The Artist: My name is Robb Neureuther. I am from Southeastern Wisconsin. I was born and raised here. As a young boy, I lived and worked on my grandparent's farm. The concept for our St. Nicks began while talking at our round dining room table. The table originally belonged to my grandparents and is still used today. Many decisions and traditions regarding farming and family were made and established around that table. It is only fitting that our Star St. Nicholas' should evolve as apart of that symbol of family spirit. Early discussions about what our St. Nicholas' should embody occurred around the table.

I must also give credit to my father, who constantly cultivated my interest in art. As a young boy, I loved painting water colors of birds. My father would take me to art fairs and introduce me to local artists. Eventually, I went to college, pursuing an art degree. My area of emphasis was in ceramics. After graduation, I taught art in the Milwaukee Public School System for 32 years.

Another one of my earliest childhood memories was of my father taking me to visit my Great Aunt Theresa on the farm. She was a very jolly and robust woman with a big rounded face and snow white hair. Years later my father told me that she took on the duties of St. Nicholas for our families. I am sure that this was the seed that started me, for I now carry on those duties with my family on the Eve of St. Nicholas’ feast day. Great Aunt Theresa truly had a heart of gold. She was St. Nicholas every day.

For many years I was busy with teaching, raising a family, and other interests. I was not doing any studio work. For Christmas one year, my first wife, Joy, gave me a decoy carving class as a gift. I was very fortunate to work under John Rollins, a nationally-renowned decoy carver who lived near us. After taking the class and carving a few years, Joy asked an all-important question, “Could you carve me at least one St. Nicholas?” The rest was history. I have been carving for 28 years and produce a new St. Nicholas each year. I no longer have time to carve decoys. Unfortunately, only a few short years after I began carving, my wife, Joy, passed away. It was a great loss for me and for my three children, Sadie, Joshua, and Nicklaus. We all struggled, but eventually moved on, each in our own way. One of Joy's greatest gifts was to give us the legacy of St. Nicholas carving.

In time I met my second wife, Mary, who had two children of her own, Lisa and Hans. I have always felt fortunate to have been married to one wonderful woman, but I have been blessed a second time with Mary. She works by my side (Did I mention I have a pottery business too?), supporting me emotionally and in the studio as well. To say the least, we have a wonderful blended family and grandchildren to boot. Enough about me!

Our biggest tradition for Christmas is the new St. Nicholas. Each year I introduce a new member to our collection; it is always revealed on Christmas day and is the last gift to be opened. My wife Joy received the first ones carved in the early years and Mary has graciously carried on that tradition. It is a wonderful way to bless our family. All 28 St. Nicholas figurines are on display year-round in an old antique library cabinet. I am truly blessed to have become a part of so many families' holiday traditions over the years.

Thank you for considering our product and becoming a part of our tradition.

Robb Neureuther, Master Carver

View my YouTube video by clicking on the link below:

How a Star St. Nicholas is Created

CONTACT US:

Our studio is located at:
13912 Birchwood Ln.
Mequon, WI 53097
perennialpottery@hotmail.com
www.perennialpottery.com
www.starsanta.com

You may reach us by telephone at (262) 227-0086 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Standard time, Monday through Friday.
We will not accept calls during the holidays.

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