Art for Everyday Living

Bea at her home studio in Kittery Point, Maine


Bea Parker is the potter behind Birch Bay Arts, where clay and heart come together in work meant to bring beauty to everyday moments. A mom of two and devoted partner, she finds inspiration not just in the quiet of her studio but also in the joyful chaos of family life. Whether she’s rolling up her sleeves at the wheel or sharing a precious family day with her kids and husband Mike, Bea’s life and art are deeply intertwined - both are about finding beauty in the ordinary and savoring the simple rituals that make up our days.

Rooted in the landscapes of Maine and New England, Bea’s pieces carry echoes of ocean breezes in rich blues and turquoises, snowy mornings in soft whites, and especially of wooded trails as much of her favorite work is inspired by the beautiful birch tree. She seeks to create vessels that not only reflect the natural world but also become part of daily rhythms - holding morning coffee, serving family meals, or simply offering a pause for appreciation. For Bea, pottery is about more than objects; it’s about building connections between people, place, and the handmade. Now more than ever as we find ourselves in a modern world where connection can be hard to find, Bea believes in the power of handmade objects made with true care and love to be a force of good in the world, linking us to each other in a tangible, physical way that can ground and heal.

When she’s not at the wheel, Bea delights in outdoor family adventures from the ocean to the mountains, true crime podcasts, and time at a cozy pub or cafe with friends. Two dogs at her feet, a warm mug in her hands, and laughter nearby - that’s her happy place. Through Birch Bay Arts, she shares a little piece of that life with others, hoping her work brings comfort, wonder, and joy into the hearts of many through the years. 

Bea giving a demo on the pottery wheel at the Yarmouth Clam Fest, 2019