Stone House Pottery & Gallery

Story

Built in 1876, the building was once a booming brewery in Galena. Purchased in 1971 by Charles and Sandy Fach, the buildings and property have been restored to near perfect condition. Housing a contemporary art gallery, pottery studio and bed & breakfast, Stone House Pottery & Gallery has much to offer visitors.

CHARLES FACH
Since taking his first pottery class at U.C.L.A. in 1960, Charles has devoted his time and talent to creating some of Galena’s most beautiful and unique artistic pieces. One-of-a-kind bronze sculptures, functional and decorative pottery and clay tiles are just a few of the passions formed by the hands of the artist.

Charles has a Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA in painting and drawing and a M.A. degree in ceramics from the University of Iowa.

ARTWORK
Charles creates a full array of products: bronze works using the traditional lost wax technique by first creating a wax replica of the original sculpture and encasing it to create a mold. It is then kiln fired until the wax burns out. From there the molten bronze is poured into the newly formed mold. Once the bronze is set further work of cutting, grinding, welding and polishing continues.

His pottery is one-of-a-kind in both its process and appearance. Multiple techniques are used: hand sculpting, spinning on a potter's wheel and casting to make multiple pieces. Charles' glazes are created using a variety of raw materials like minerals and crystals.

Charles created several projects for the community: Civil War general commemorative steins, fire pumper centerpieces for the Galena Fire Department, and weiner dog trophies for the annual Oktoberfest event.

Impressum

ARTISTS’ ANNEX
Newly constructed Annex building house a pottery studio where the works of Charles Fach (owner/artist) are created and crafted. From clay to bronze, it all starts here.

Erected on the grounds of the fermenting and grain storage facility of the late City Brewery, one of Galena’s predominant breweries in the 1800s. Left intact inside the Annex is the original barrel-shaped grotto, once lined with beer kegs. It is now used as a unique conference and dining area.