Pentwater, Michigan art tile was sculpted by Tonya. The 'Destination Tile' series was created to celebrate Michigan's recreational treasures.

Materials: made in Michigan porcelain and Rick's specially formulated glaze. Using Rick's time tested recipes, we make small batches of glaze. Working small like we do, allows for variations in the glazes, creating one of a kind pieces. All of our tiles are handmade in our Michigan studio. This tile measures 5.75 x 5.75”, nominal size of 6x6”, with raised relief of .5” or less.

There is a notch on back for hanging, yet if you wish to install, it's also suitable for that too. If used outdoors in freezing temperatures, just make sure to keep it vertical. Purchase our 6x6” tile stand separately.

Here’s a quick ‘How’s it made?’ breA kitchen backsplash is often the heart of the home, but we believe it can also be the canvas for your life’s journey. The Pentwater Art Tile is designed to be one individual component in a larger narrative—a "storytelling backsplash." Perhaps Pentwater is where you were raised, or the harbor where you spent your first summer as a married couple.

By curating a series of destination tiles, you create a visual map of where you’ve been: the town where your children were born, the university where you found your path, or the shores that hold your favorite memories. Imagine years from now, your grandchildren tracing the high-relief waves with their fingers, asking to hear the stories of the places that shaped their family. Sculpted by Tonya, this tile is a hand-pressed invitation to preserve those moments in permanent, architectural porcelain.

Artisanal Craft & Design Integration

• Hand-Sculpted by Tonya: Every curve of the sailing vessel and the North Pierhead Light was originally hand-sculpted by Tonya in our Michigan studio, capturing a tactile, nostalgic energy.

• The Whistling Frog Method: Pressed into premium porcelain and fired to 2230°F, our tiles are fully vitrified and moisture-resistant. This makes them a durable, legacy-quality choice for kitchen backsplashes, showers, or fireplace surrounds.

• Bespoke Glazing: We use Rick’s proprietary small-batch glazes. Because we work in limited quantities, each tile has subtle variations that ensure your family’s "map" is as unique as the life it represents.

• Architectural Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 3.75" x 3.75" (Nominal 4x4") with a high-relief depth of .5" or less.

  • Versatile Display: Includes a built-in notch on the reverse for immediate wall hanging, but is fully suitable for permanent grout installation.

  • Durability: Suitable for interior walls and exterior vertical surfaces.

  • Note: For outdoor installations in freezing climates, please ensure the tile remains vertical.

Provenance & Purpose

• Handmade in Michigan: From the first sculpted line to the final cooling in the kiln, each tile is a product of our collaborative studio.

• A Mission of Giving: We believe in supporting the communities that inspire our work. A percentage of every sale is donated to the local organizations highlighted on our Community page.

• Made to Order: Your custom Pentwater tile is handcrafted specifically for your collection and typically ships within two weeks.