Jillia Ceramics expresses beauty of PA Wilds region through new product line

Artist Jillia English partners with PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship on branded mugs

WILLIAMSPORT, PA – Jillia English, owner of Jillia Ceramics, has partnered with the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship to create PA Wilds-inspired and branded mugs, which are available on the PA Wilds Marketplace. 

“My journey all started in 2008 when I first touched clay in my high school art class, and it hasn’t left my hands since,” says English. 

With her two hands and a pottery wheel, Jillia became a full-time ceramic artist in 2022. Her small and mighty studio is located in Lycoming County. Jillia’s ceramic techniques don’t include molds, slip casting, slab rollers, or extruders, as she makes everything on her wheel or through hand-building. Her online gallery and shop contain a plethora of different ceramic works. Whether she is creating a mug, ceramic jewelry, home decor, or more, there is a common theme to her work.

“My ceramics are artwork, but I also want you to be able to use these pieces in your everyday life,” says English. “I believe in the power of small moments of joy. Using a mug that reminds you of your favorite adventures or a peaceful place is one way of adding a simple, happy moment into your routine. Artwork shouldn’t be saved for a special occasion. It should be enjoyed and intertwined with your life.”

When not in her studio, Jillia often takes advantage of the outdoor adventures found along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. From jet skiing on the Susquehanna to hiking in the hills around Williamsport, Jillia can be found outside. Her time in nature has inspired her ceramic artwork and ultimately led to her wanting to partner with the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship on a new product line. The PA Wilds Center promotes the region and its 2+ million acres of public lands as a premier outdoor recreation destination as a way to diversify local economies, inspire stewardship, attract investment, retain population and improve quality of life. 

“The PA Wilds is an inspiration to me. When I am out hiking or just enjoying the outdoors, I always collect something in my mind that I use later in my artwork,” says English. “Sometimes it’s the shape of a rolling hill, and other times it’s the color of a treeline or the texture of a plant.”

This is evident in the creation of her two PA Wilds mugs, which made their debut in the spring of 2023. The Blue Green Coffee Mug contains a glaze that reminds one of the 16,000 miles of rivers, streams, and creeks found throughout the PA Wilds. The Midnight Sky Mug contains the silhouettes of trees against a dark sky, like travelers can experience within the Dark Skies landscape of the PA Wilds.

In addition to portraying the beauty of the region, a portion of proceeds from each PA Wilds-branded mug sold will help support the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship’s mission to integrate conservation and economic development in a way that strengthens and inspires communities in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

All of Jillia’s artwork reflects not just the beauty of the PA Wilds region, but also the amazing seasons. Whether it’s a tumbler featuring a sunflower, a beachy bowl, a pumpkin-shaped plate, or a snowman vase, you can see nature woven into all of Jillia’s work. 

“It was Jillia’s passion for the outdoors as well as her artwork that made us so excited to partner with her to create PA Wilds mugs,” says PA Wilds Center’s Licensing Manager, Hannah Brock. “Every piece of her work reminds you of the natural landscapes of this region. Her use of earthenware clay in her mugs reminds me of the I-80 Frontier Rock Formations, and her use of color reminds me of the two National Wilds and Scenic Rivers that wind through our region. When you use Jillia’s products, you can’t help but remember your latest adventure in the PA Wilds.”

To learn more about Jillia Ceramics or to purchase a PA Wilds mug, visit ShopThePAWilds.com/JilliaCeramics.

 

ABOUT THE PA WILDS

The Pennsylvania Wilds is a 13-county region that includes the counties of Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Warren, and northern Centre. The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to integrate conservation and economic development in a way that inspires the communities of the Pennsylvania Wilds. The PA Wilds Center promotes the region and its 2+ million acres of public lands as a premier outdoor recreation destination as a way to diversify local economies, inspire stewardship, attract investment, retain population and improve quality of life. The PA Wilds Center’s core programs seek to help businesses leverage the PA Wilds brand and connect with new market opportunities, including: the Wilds Cooperative of PA, a network of more than 575 place-based businesses and organizations, and the PA Wilds Conservation Shop, a retail outlet primarily featuring products sourced from the WCO. For more information on the PA Wilds Center, visit www.PAWildsCenter.org. To learn more about the WCO, visit www.WildsCoPA.org. Explore the PA Wilds at www.PAWilds.com. Find regionally made products at www.ShopThePAWilds.com. 

 

Media Contact

Britt Madera | Communications Manager

PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc.

[email protected] | 570-948-1051