Creativity runs deep at Kunzler Studios

7/1/2026

Every family member brings unique strengths, talents and quirks to the table. For one family of artists, creating together has become a shared passion while still leaving room for each person to explore individual artistic pursuits.

Kunzler Studios is a family endeavor led by parents Diane and Mike Kunzler and their adult children, Kelly and Kendall.

The family currently operates two studios, including one at Mainframe Studios. Their Valley Junction studio offers a hands-on experience with retail sales, pottery classes and studio space for other artists.

The family creates a mix of pottery, ceramics, paintings and drawings. Their ceramics are featured in several local businesses, including the Palms Restaurant and Des Moines Mercantile.

This year, Kunzler Studios is the featured artist for the Waukee Arts Festival, which takes place July 17-18 at Centennial Park in Waukee. The family has participated in the festival since its inception, with each member winning various best-of awards.

The Kunzlers were raised in an artistic household. Diane was an art instructor for 38 years, and Mike is also an artist. 

“The kids grew up around art. At night, everyone was drawing instead of playing or watching basketball,” Diane says.

Kelly knew he wanted to be an artist when he was in second grade. Both Kelly and Kendall attended Graceland University, where they often took the same art classes because they are only a year and a half apart in age. 

“They used to call us Thing 1 and Thing 2,” Kendall recalls.

The pair works cohesively together, even sharing tips and constructive criticism. 

“Having an older brother in art, he was frank about critiques. It’s been super helpful as an artist. We bounce ideas off of each other all the time,” Kendall explains.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the studio’s pottery classes took off. Today, the family rents space to 45 artists, recognizing that kilns and other pottery equipment can be costly. 

“We didn’t have a formal plan. We knew there was a community of artists who needed a place to develop artistically,” Kendall says.

Kendall and Mike also formed The Least of These Foundation, which provides therapeutic art experiences and workshops for people with physical, cognitive or mental health challenges, as well as low-income and high-risk populations and those in hospice care.

Within the family business, each member brings different strengths. Kendall is known as the organized one. Diane says everyone “stay in their own lanes.” Kelly says the family shares a strong commitment to the business. 

“We’ve got enough skin in the game. We don’t fight much. We are all accountable if things need to be done,” he explains.

All agree that art provides a deep sense of satisfaction when creative ideas come to life. 

“I feel accomplished,” Kelly says. “There’s a deep innate need to do it. It’s a part that needs to get out.”

Diane enjoys the problem-solving aspect of creating art. 

“When recreating a piece, it’s a constant challenge that’s both frustrating and rewarding. Once you solve it and come to a resolution, nothing feels better. It’s risky, and you’re putting yourself out there,” she says. “It takes courage to be an artist and not compromise values.”

Diane recently retired and says she is busier than ever. Reflecting on the experience of working alongside her family, she says, “I feel lucky. Not many adults get to spend time with their grown adults kids.” ♦

Jackie Wilson has written hundreds of articles for CITYVIEW and the Iowa Living magazines. She has covered many ordinary people living extraordinary lives.