There are many potteries around this area. One thing I have noticed is that many potters have a ‘style’ or color of glaze that they do the most work in. Like light colors or dark colors or very small or large. I would take that into consideration and make the shelf unit in a contrasting wood to “pop” the pottery. If they do dark colors consider something like maple. If they do light colors do a dark wood or stain. Also keep in mind the sizes that they do the most work in. You will want the unit you build to handle their stuff. Plates need racks, cups and saucers need displayed together. Tall vases need tall shelves. I would let the pottery dictate the size and color of the unit you build. Then just have fun and keep it simple.
-- Berta in NC