By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Apr 07, 2020 at 2:05 PM

The coronavirus pandemic has changed our everyday life, but it doesn't need to change who we are. So, in addition to our ongoing coverage of the coronavirus, OnMilwaukee will continue to report on cool, fun, inspiring and strange stories from our city and beyond. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay informed and stay joyful. We're all in this together. #InThisTogetherMKE

Janelle Gramling is a primarily self-taught fiber and ceramic sculptor living and working in Milwaukee's Clarke Square neighborhood. She has shared a large studio space with her husband, woodworker Matthew Gramling, for almost five years in a warehouse building on South 23rd Street. The couple share a home nearby with their four children.

"I create functional home goods and jewelry as well as wall sculptures," says Gramling. "I’m inspired by material and I am motivated to explore the ways that materials tell stories through form, weight and texture. I am also inspired by symbolism. I just recently started a year-long series interpreting the zodiac."

A large portion of Gramling's business comes from selling her art wholesale to small boutiques all over the US and Canada.

"The pandemic has closed all of these shops and my wholesale orders have completely died," says Gramling. "This has been devastating for me as we rely on this income to support our family."

Gramling is working harder than ever to promote her online shop.

"I’m offering free shipping to anywhere in the US right now," says Gramling.

To see more of Janelle Gramling's work, click here.


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.