Megs LeVesseur Balances Structure and Spontaneity in Her Ceramic Art

By Kim Nagorski, executive director of Ohio Designer Craftsmen

Ceramics artist Megs LeVesseur maintains a thriving studio in the Franklinton Arts District. Her fun, whimsical jewelry, cups, vases and more can be found in the Ohio Craft Museum’s annual holiday sale, and she will be participating in the 2025 Columbus Winterfair, held Dec. 5–7 at the Ohio Expo Center.

Kim: How did you get started in ceramics?
Megs: I have always been drawn to hands-on mediums, especially those that let me get messy. One of my first experiences with clay was in middle school when a friend and I took a ceramics class together. I would get so absorbed in the process that I ended up covered in clay and had to wear a trash bag over my clothes before getting into my friend’s mom’s van.

I rediscovered ceramics at the Columbus College of Art and Design, where the studio offered a sense of calm and endless possibilities. I quickly became captivated by the medium. After graduation, I felt creatively drained and uncertain of my next steps. Then a family friend asked me to make a tea set for a charity auction. Hesitant at first, I decided to take on the project. That small experience reignited my passion for making, and since then I have embraced both small and larger opportunities, allowing each one to shape my path as an artist.

Kim: What is it about clay that intrigues you?
Megs: Clay draws me in with its tactile, grounding qualities. There’s something meditative about shaping a form with your hands. I love that it starts as a simple, earthy material and can be transformed into objects that are both functional and enduring. Functional ceramics are particularly compelling to me because they bridge art and everyday life, allowing people to live with, use and enjoy handmade work. That sense of connection keeps me motivated.

Kim: Can you walk us through the process of making your work?
Megs: I’m a handbuilder at heart and primarily work with slab construction. I consider each piece a canvas, designing with decoration and composition in mind from the start. After forming the piece, I layer colors of terra sigillata and carve patterns using a combination of sgraffito and Mishima techniques. Once bisque fired, I apply soft color and clear glazes before firing in an electric kiln. This approach balances structure with the spontaneity of hand illustration, a combination I truly enjoy.

Kim: How do you market yourself and your work?
Megs: I try to bring the same creativity I use in the studio to my marketing efforts. I use social media, wholesale accounts and email newsletters, but my favorite way to share my work is in person. Meeting people face-to-face and connecting over art, creativity and community is energizing. I especially enjoy conversations with other artists and creatives, which often spark new ideas and inspire others to start creating.

Kim: Where do you create your work?
Megs: I work from my studio at Chromedge Studios in the Franklinton Arts District. The community includes over 30 artists, and the collaborative energy is motivating. Every second Friday of the month, we open our doors for Franklinton Fridays, a neighborhood event where studios and local businesses welcome visitors to explore, support and connect. It’s one of the aspects of this location that I cherish most.

Kim: What are a couple things you love about Columbus?
Megs: Beyond the Franklinton Arts District, I love the Columbus Metropolitan Library downtown. Its architecture, art installations and connection to the green space of Topiary Park make it a special place. I discovered it as a CCAD student, and it has remained meaningful ever since. It serves as an accessible space where people can gather, learn and be inspired. In a time when funding for art and education is limited, it’s important to celebrate spaces that nurture creativity and community.

You can meet Megs and purchase her work at Columbus Winterfair Dec. 5–7 at the Ohio Expo Center or you can find her work at the Ohio Craft Museum’s annual holiday sale through Dec. 23.

This article is part of a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council as part of the Art Makes Columbus campaign. Explore a calendar of events, public art database and artist stories at columbusmakesart.com. To learn more about GCAC grants visit gcac.org.