When art and function meet, beauty can become an important part of daily life. Some of Danielle Uttecht’s pictured finished pieces include a berry bowl, salt and pepper stacking cellars and a charcuterie server.
Photos: Chris Emeott
Community is central to Excelsior resident’s work.
Juugee Ceramics isn’t just pottery; it’s a beautiful blend of memories and intention woven into multifunctional art. Every piece is a labor of love, often inspired and honed over months or even years. Using a Juugee mug or plate can become a special, almost personal moment that creates a meaningful connection with the artist herself.
Danielle Uttecht is the talented artist behind Juugee Ceramics. She has loved creating for as long as she can remember, but it was her first ceramics class in high school that truly inspired her. Uttecht became enthralled by the process of not only working with her hands but also bringing something to life that was both usable and functional. “When I took that first ceramics class, I fell in love,” she says.
Danielle Uttecht explains the name of her business, Juugee Ceramics, comes from her imagination.
From there, Uttecht pursued every learning opportunity, including taking additional classes, participating in a mentorship program, getting involved at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts and ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in ceramics from the University of Minnesota.
After graduating, Uttecht knew in her heart that her dream was to be a potter, but she spent years working in other industries before returning to her passion in 2022. She officially opened her business out of her home in 2023, affectionately naming it Juugee Ceramics. “The name Juugee comes from my imagination,” she says. “She was my invisible friend in kindergarten and is still the muse for all my designs today. She represents something that is partly serious, partly playful, very simple and incredibly sincere.”
For Uttecht, these elements culminate to form a minimalistic style centered on her principles of form and function, multifunctionality, nontoxicity and quality, guiding her design and brand. “Because I work with simple designs and a simple palette, I can create dishes that elevate a nightly meal but also feel elegant enough for hosting,” she says. “My pieces carry that same balance into home décor. They transition easily from everyday use to holidays or special occasions.”
Community is central to Uttecht’s work. Each piece carries her personal mark, along with the input of friends, family and customers who have helped shape her designs throughout the years. “My favorite part is really the process—all the trial and error, the input from friends and the time it takes because, by the time a piece is finished, it holds the whole story of how it came to be, mixed in with my life and family,” she says. Uttecht appreciates that her ceramics become part of people’s homes, and she creates opportunities to bring others together, whether around the dinner table, in her studio or through creative gatherings in her home.
Uttecht’s primary collections include kitchen accessories, dishes, home décor and jewelry. Every piece is designed with both utility and beauty in mind. She offers her pieces through an online store, or customers can contact her through Instagram to schedule an appointment to view her in-home gallery. Some of her work is also carried at Gray Home + Lifestyle in Excelsior, and she participates in Excelsior’s Art on the Lake and Apple Days.
For the past 16 years, the Excelsior community has supported Uttecht through her creative journey, and she is humbled and honored to be part of it. For her, Juugee Ceramics is more than just pottery; it is a way to connect art, family and community in everyday life.
Juugee Ceramics
Instagram: @juugee.ceramics
