A ball of clay spins like a record on a turntable, and Kyle White stares intensely as a cup quickly forms from the gray mass within his grasp—his wife, Angie, stands with her back turned and paints a gray platter black with deliberate strokes.

The Barn has sold handmade pottery created by this husband-and-wife team since 2008 when the couple moved to New Braunfels to work for Angie’s aunt and uncle, who opened the business in 1982. In 2015, they sold the pottery business to the Whites.

Pottery and art have been a focal point for the Whites throughout their lives. The atmosphere in their studio is relaxed, and their wordless coordination reveals their artistic connection.

“We were both in art class when we met back in high school,” Angie said. “Any apartment we’ve had, we’ve rented a garage space and used that as a studio or [had] a studio in the basement of the house.”

A large portion of the store’s wares are created in the shop’s studio and kiln by the Whites and their two employees, but work from several Texan artists, some local, is also for sale. Angie’s handcrafted surface designs are also practical and dishwasher-safe.

The Whites are active community members in Gruene’s pottery scene. They are members of the planning committee responsible for the annual Texas Clay Festival, a local event featuring more than 80 artists in October.

A testament to The Barn’s family focus, the Whites’ newborn daughter, Coral, is sometimes found napping beside her parents in the studio.

Together, the Whites find fulfillment in the connection their work forms with The Barn’s customers.

“It’s in everyday life and becomes part of people’s everyday life,” Kyle said.