Meet Robbie Dein at American Crafts by Robbie Dein

Meet Robbie Dein, founder and owner of American Crafts by Robbie Dein

Anyone familiar with the Ithaca area knows it’s filled with many talented artisans who double as business folks. 

Among them is Robbie Dein, founder and owner of American Crafts by Robbie Dein, who grew as an artist and entrepreneur while living in this artsy community. 

Robbie, a southern Florida native, is an extremely talented potter who first came to Ithaca in 1972. During that time, Robbie-a new graduate from Purdue University, planned a three-day trip to visit friends living here, he says. However, once he saw the community’s abundance of activity, he simply fell in love with it.

“Between Cornell University and Ithaca College, there were so many students and recent college graduates, such as myself, around. I thought to myself, this is certainly the place to be,” says Robbie.  

Robbie quickly made a name for himself in the community by launching a business called People’s Pottery where he sold his handcrafted creations in a gallery connected to his residence. Eventually, his outstanding craftsmanship caught the eye of Stuart Lewis, who was the owner of Irv Lewis: The Store for Men and Boys located on the Ithaca Commons. Mr. Lewis encouraged Robbie to set up a shop on the Commons. 

People’s Pottery was a huge hit in the community and beyond. Between 1972 and 1996, the store became known as one of America’s finest’ Hand Made in America’ specialty stores. Then, in 1996, Robbie sold People’s Pottery and wholly separated from business after the 9/11 crisis in 2001 and reopened his original store as American Crafts by Robbie Dein.

At American Crafts, you’ll find a remarkable selection of quality made pottery, a collection of chic home decor, colorful glassware, stylish jewelry, and other accessories, along with many more items all handcrafted by masterful artisans from across the country.  

“All of the items in this store are stunning. Every time I look around the shop, I am in awe of the magnificent craftsmanship used to create each of the items that we sell,” says Robbie, who now resides with his family in Hawaii. But, often returns to Ithaca to visit his shop and explore the community. “It’s the perfect place for visitors to find a beautiful, quality made American craft that is sure to last a lifetime.”

You can find more information about Robbie Dein and American Crafts by stopping into the shop at 151 E. M.L.K Jr/E. State St., the Commons. You can find a sampling of American Crafts’ high-quality merchandise at myamericancrafts.com.

 

The Faces of Downtown Ithaca

Some say the best referrals come from trusted family and friends. In Downtown Ithaca, quality recommendations often come from speaking directly to our hospitable downtown business owners and managers. Afterall, who knows their business best than the business owner themselves.

Welcome to Faces of Downtown Ithaca where we’ll give you an insider’s look at downtown’s shops, let you meet your shopkeepers, and restaurateurs who provide this area with some of the finest shopping, dining, and attractions that the Finger Lakes Region has to offer.

Not only do these folks work here, but they also dine, shop, and play here. Many of them also live here, too! This is their Downtown Ithaca and now, they are sharing some of their histories with you.

#facesofdowntownithaca