Potter Steve Ayers' combination showroom and studio is located in an 1800s brick building a few blocks from the Mississippi riverfront. Visitors can watch him and his three employees working in the studio through clay-spattered windows in the showroom, a light-filled space brightened by mugs, bowls, vases and baking dishes in vivid reds, blues, yellows and greens. Ayers focuses on functional and beautiful household pottery. Two of his signature pieces are a bread baker ($24) and crimped-edge Brie baker ($20). People drive from far and wide when he has a sale.