Local: Michelle Organ of Mima Ceramics + The Shop

March 20, 2019

For this instalment of our Local series, we’re featuring the lovely Michelle Organ – artist behind Mima Ceramics and owner of The Shop. It’s no secret that we love ceramics and simple, sculptural pieces like Michelle’s are definitely on-trend right now. Michelle has generously offered to partner with us for a giveaway, so keep reading for details on how to enter to win one of the beautiful vases shown below!

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Michelle’s love of art began in childhood – she describes herself as a crafty kid who was always experimenting with different projects. She remembers first working with ceramics at camp and birthday parties, but admits her real interest in the art form developed while she was studying Art History and Industrial Design at university. She loved learning about art in the classroom, but recognized that a large part of studying art comes from experimentation and working in the studio. She started taking as many ceramics classes as possible and became hooked!

Photo by Arounna Khounnoraj

Michelle channelled her talent and passion into Mima Ceramics (which she named after her childhood nickname!). As an artist, she gets her inspiration from places as varied as library bookshelves, closets, and fabric stores, which is evident in the way she plays with texture and colour in her work. Michelle describes Mima as a fusion craft and play – her pieces are undeniably works of art, but she crafts them with a simplicity that prevents them from seeming “too precious.” The result is functional artwork that is both beautiful and well-made enough to stand up to daily use.

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From her years working in Toronto, Michelle recognized that the city was lacking both studios and community spaces for artists. She founded The Shop five years ago to fill that gap. Since then, The Shop has grown into a multi-use space that is both a ceramics and crafts studio and retail shop. Michelle uses The Shop as her studio space for Mima, but it also serves as a hub for education and support. The Shop hosts a variety of workshops, ceramic studio memberships (both daily and monthly), private events, and studio sales.

We’re such big fans of Michelle’s work and love that she used her talent to create a space that supports and enhances Toronto’s artistic community. Plus, we can’t stop thinking about how gorgeous her pieces would look in a kitchen or living room!

If you’re as obsessed as we are, you’re in luck – we’ve partnered with Michelle to give you the chance to win the gorgeous vase pictured below (valued at $50!). Here’s how to enter: