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NC Pottery Center in Seagrove, NC, is Awarded $32,497 from the NC Arts Council

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

Here’s the press release we received at Carolina Arts:

Seagrove, NC – The NC Pottery Center (NCPC) in Randolph County has been awarded $32,497 from the NC Arts Council for State Arts Resources and the Traditional Arts Programs in Schools (TAPS).

The funds will be used to support several major exhibitions curated by guest artists during the grant cycle, and the Traditional Arts Programs in the local elementary school.

Linda Carnes-McNaughton, president of the NCPC board of directors said, “State funds allow Randolph County to provide quality arts programming for students and adults, while sustaining our local economy.  Last year, the NC Pottery Center provided programming for more than 11,500 citizens, including adults, youth, and children from all over North Carolina as many were day-travelers to the area. Visitors from all 50 states were represented, and visitors came from 27 foreign countries”.

A highlight of our programming is the Traditional Arts Programs in the local Seagrove Elementary School (TAPS), for fifth grade students. The two sessions taught by fifth generation potter Sid Luck of Luck’s Ware, are scheduled for fall 2010 and spring 2011. The ten-week pottery program is so popular with students, it requires registration and a random drawing for participation.

“The support of our grants program by the General Assembly during these economically challenging times demonstrates the role the arts play in our economy and our quality of life,” said Mary B. Regan, executive director of the NC Arts Council.  “Nonprofit arts organizations employ workers, stimulate commerce, generate tax revenues and help communities retain their vibrancy.”

More than 13.6 million people participated in NC Arts Council-funded projects last year in schools, senior centers, concert halls and community centers. Nearly 4.3 million of these were children and youth.

The NC Arts Council awards grant money each year to provide diverse arts experiences for citizens in all 100 counties of North Carolina. In fiscal year 2010-11, the Arts Council is expected to distribute $7,4 million in state and federal grant funds to arts organizations, schools and other nonprofit organizations that sponsor arts programs.

Exhibitions at the NC Pottery Center are made possible through the generosity of our membership, the Mary and Elliott Wood Foundation and the Goodnight Educational Foundation. These projects are supported by the NC Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The mission of the North Carolina Pottery Center is to promote public awareness of and appreciation for the history, heritage, and ongoing tradition of pottery making in North Carolina.

The current exhibit is, Pottery from the Coastal Carolina Clay Guild, on view through Nov. 13, 2010. The Coastal Carolina Clay Guild was founded in 2007 by a group of Wilmington, NC, potters with the purpose of sharing ideas and promoting the art and craft of pottery in our community. The Guild has grown to 100 members who reside in the eastern regions of North and South Carolina and are a diverse group consisting of full time, part time, and student potters.

The Center is located at 233 East Avenue in Seagrove, NC. Hours of operation are Tue. – Sat., 10am – 4pm.

For more information, please call 336/873-8430 or go to (www.ncpotterycenter.org).

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A Trip Through Kentucky Adds Another Item to the List that SC has Never Done

Monday, August 9th, 2010

In July, Linda and I made a mad dash to Michigan to spend some time with a few of my high school friends, some being cousins of mine and others – just good old friends from the class of ‘69 at Buena Vista High School in Michigan. And, I mean old in the literal since – as Linda often reminds me that as of this May I have entered my last days as a 50 year old. It’s back to the 60’s or bring on the 60’s – I’m not sure which.

I also wanted to visit a state that was worse off than South Carolina and California was too far.

Thanks to the generosity of our friends we were put up in some of the best (unadvertised) bed, breakfast, lunch and dinner establishments in Michigan. Without their kindness we couldn’t have made the trip. So one evening we packed up the car and made the 19 hour trip – except for one unscheduled stop. Remember, I’m in my late – very late 50’s, so we made many scheduled stops along the way. After a while it seemed like we were stopping at every other rest stop.

My friends thought it was crazy for us to drive straight through, but I explained that I do a lot of driving. In fact, I noticed that when delivering our August issue of Carolina Arts on what I call the Up the Mountain trip to Hendersonville, NC, and many stops in-between to Columbia, SC, Tryon, NC, Spartanburg, SC, Greenville, SC, Seneca, SC, Clemson, SC, Laurens, SC, back to Columbia, SC, and back home – it took 19 hours. I did three more trips that week. So, yes I could be considered a travelin’ man, but most of the time I end up back here at home base.

Traveling at night is the norm for me and since Linda has problems with thinking I’ll drive our car over the edge off the mountains – night was good for that too.

So what was that one unscheduled stop?

Since 1974, when I traveled down I-75 to South Carolina from Michigan there were signs in Kentucky that pointed out that Berea, KY, was a stop offering folk arts. Throughout the years of going back and forth to make visits, I always wondered about those signs and what may be there to see. On this recent trip up to Michigan I noticed that a new sign was also directing people to stop in Berea – it was asking people to stop at the Kentucky Artisan Center. Now that caught my attention right away. If this was a state artisan center I wondered how it would compare to the SC Artisan Center in Walterboro, SC, the Folk Art Center in Asheville, NC, or the NC Pottery Center, in Seagrove, NC.

Making comparisons is what we do. We’re always referencing things by how they compare to other things like it or other experiences. Over the years this has been a source of frustration since my early years in observing the art community in SC. Asking some people why things were done the way they are I often heard the phrase – “We do it this way because this is the way our neighboring states do things – it makes what we do relevant and consistent.” So, when I started coverage of the visual arts in NC in 1997, I started to notice that SC wasn’t doing things exactly the way our neighbors were doing things. Over the years I’ve learned more and more about those differences.

So I was curious about this Artisan Center, but when the signs also said it was a travel information center and the fact that it was about the time they may be open, I headed there. Travel centers have to open early for travelers who get early starts or for folks like me who like to travel overnight.

As I turned off the interstate at the designated exit, the first thing I saw was a large complex of buildings that looked pretty interesting and there was a sign in the sky – like the golden arches which said – Kentucky Artisan Center. Interesting! Could this be the place? Driving into the complex I could tell this was going to be an experience. And, from the moment of driving up to the complex’s parking area, which was expansive – I was not disappointed that we pulled off the highway and in fact, was impressed at every step.

This was the ultimate travel rest stop. Information, rest rooms, a restaurant, and wall to wall visual stimulation in the form of some of the best art I’ve seen collected in one place, in one of the best facilities to show off art I’ve seen in a long time. My overall impression was that someone of vision in Kentucky was able to sell that state on building an art facility that would be so impressive that anyone who stopped there would walk away with the impression that artists in Kentucky are creating excellent art and that they are supported to the max by their state. And, I got it. The center offers works by over 700 artists from throughout the state. Artists have the opportunity to jury in three times a year, and everything is for sale. And, everything is everything, including fine arts, crafts, music, literature, clothing, and specialty foods.


Stone buildings with slate roofs and fully landscaped.

It was agonizingly torturous – what a time not to be rich. And since I wasn’t, it was just a window shopping event. Plus, we had decided some time ago that any new art we buy will come from North and South Carolina, so it made the experience of not being able to buy anything a little better, but not much. And, we didn’t have one extra dime for anything but our trip. All I can hope is that some of these artists may some day move to North or South Carolina, but with support like this from the State of Kentucky – why would they?


The welcome center part – we were the first or second visitors of this day.


The exhibit area presents rotating shows.

I hope the photos I took and offer here can just begin to show how wonderful this facility was, but it can’t. You’d have to walk through this massive complex to get that feeling. And, I walked away with the feeling that once again the art community, in at least South Carolina, has been shortchanged – by the SC Arts Commission? SC Legislature? Governor? All three? But, then I’ve known that for some time now.


This is the cafe area.

Here’s what I later learned on the Center’s website: The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea, KY, is a state authority, administratively attached to the Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. (Another state like NC that has it’s arts agency tied to tourism – what a novel idea.) Established to celebrate Kentucky’s artisan heritage and to encourage Kentuckians and those traveling in Kentucky to enjoy artisan products and activities.

The funds for construction of the site were appropriated by the Kentucky legislature in 1998 and 2000. The development of the Center and oversight of its activity is provided by a 13-member board, the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea Authority Board, and assisted by numerous partnerships among cabinets of state government, with city and county government, with colleges, with other organizations and agencies, and with individuals interested in the Center’s mission and goals.

The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is conveniently located at 975 Walnut Meadow Road, Berea, KY. They are situated alongside Interstate 75 at exit 77, just 40 miles south of Lexington, KY, and only 2.5 miles from downtown Berea, the “Folk Arts and Craft Capital of Kentucky.”

In this 25,000 sq. foot facility (no, that’s not a typo – it’s 25,000 sq. ft.) you can shop for Kentucky products; experience Kentucky hospitality; explore Kentucky crafts & history; enjoy Kentucky cuisine; learn about other must-see places; and enjoy full rest stop services, and an ATM. There is plenty of on-site parking, including pull through spaces for buses and RVs. WIFI service is also now available throughout the Center, and the first 15 minutes are free!

The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is open to the public seven days a week, from 8am-8pm, with its cafe serving from 8:30am-5:00pm. Please note that during hours the Center is closed, the public restrooms are also closed.

The Center is closed all day to observe these holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. The Center also closes early on Christmas Eve.

Hours are subject to change; be sure to call or check this site (http://www.kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov/) before finalizing your plans!

There is no admission charge for visiting this Center featuring all Kentucky-made products!

OK – back to me.

So, if the state of Kentucky can have such a center – why not in SC or NC?

It is really hard to make any comparison to the centers I mentioned earlier.

The SC Artisan Center in Walterboro, SC, is a retail outlet featuring works by some of SC’s artists, but that’s where any comparison ends. The SC Artisan Center could fit into the Kentucky Artisan’s front welcome center. Although it is located off I-95 in Walterboro, it is far from the highway and it’s my bet many people turn around before finding the Center.

The Folk Art Center in Asheville, NC, is part of the National Parks Service and the home of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, featuring works by artists from many southern states. It has an excellent retail shop, but tiny compared to the Kentucky facility.

The NC Pottery Center, in Seagrove, NC, is a first class showplace for pottery made by NC’s potters, but it is not a retail center. And although it is located not too far off what will someday be I-74, I-73 – it’s not just off I-75.

The Kentucky Artisan Center has it all and the art community of Berea, KY, too. Throw in Berea College and you have quite an artist colony.

Look, I’m not going to rub this in any longer, but officials from both NC and SC should make a trip to see what’s there. I don’t mean folks from the SC Arts Commission or the NC Arts Council  – I’m sure they already know what’s there and have sleepless nights about it. I’m talking about the movers and shakers in the Carolinas. Sure they can’t do anything now with the economy the way it is, but this is a look at what could be in the Carolinas.

I’ve always felt the perfect place for SC’s center would be the intersection of I-95 and I-26. There is nothing there now and it would be a great place for travelers to stop.

If you find yourself traveling on I-75 – north or south – stop in Berea, KY. You’ll be glad you did.

There will be more about our adventures in Michigan as time goes by.

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Upcoming Events in Seagrove, NC, for Those Who Plan Ahead

Sunday, July 4th, 2010

Believe it or not – there are a few folks who don’t know about Seagrove, NC – the center of North Carolina pottery. I mean – most around the world who know anything about clay – know about Seagrove, but some folks still don’t and a few others appreciate a heads up on events taking place there.

When I want to know what going on there I just check out a few of the blog links we have listed to the right including: Around and About with Bulldog Pottery; Whynot Pottery Blog; or Three Corners Clay. You can usually find info there or at any number of the blog links offered by these blogs.

Then I go to the website of the Seagrove Area Potters Association where they have an events section which is pretty informative.

And, of course you can always check us out – we usually have posted something about Seagrove – just click the Category – About Seagrove Pottery on the right side of the page.

So, what’s up or what’s coming up?

Well a good first stop in any visit to Seagrove is the NC Pottery Center. They are currently offering the exhibit, The Pottery of Buncombe County, A Historical and Contemporary Overview, on view through July 31, 2010.


Work by Kyle Carpenter

Plus, you can always find out what’s going on at the NC Pottery Center. They are an important resource for info about North Carolina pottery and pottery activities all over the region.


Works from Caldwell-Hohl Artworks

On July 17, 2010, there is the Caldwell-Hohl Artworks Garden Party. This is a fun day of music, pottery, garden art and light refreshments. the event is held at their studio in Seagrove from 10am – 5pm. Enjoy tours of the studio and log cabin. For more information call 336/879-9090 or e-mail to (caldellhohl@rtmc.net).

It seems like there is not much going on in July, but we learned during our coverage of the 2nd Annual Cousins in Clay event, that a lot more may be in the planning – we just don’t know about them yet and some folks seems to be shy about getting the word out. So, it’s always good to beat the bushes for last minute updates as to what’s going on.

Now, getting back to what we do know. The NC Pottery Center will be opening a new exhibit entitled, Pottery from the Coastal Carolina Clay Guild, on view from Aug. 13 through Nov. 13, 2010. So if you’ve visited the Pottery Center recently you’ll have a reason to return – as if you need one.

You can get a two for one by visiting Seagrove on Aug. 14, 2010, for the second Seagrove Potters for Peace event. This event was first inspired by Greg Mortenson’s book Three Cups of Tea and his Central Asia Institute (CAI) which builds schools in remote, impoverished areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Some of the potters of Seagrove wanted to help build schools too. This year’s event, Turning Stoneware into Schools, will be held on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010 from 9am to 5pm.


Young girls from Pakistan

Twenty-four potteries, a jeweler and a soap-maker are part of the Seagrove Potters for Peace this year. (Please note this group could grow with time.) A variety of vessels, including mugs, tea bowls and tumblers will be for sale, as well as miniature vases, jewelry and handmade soap. Proceeds will be donated to CAI. Copies of Mortenson’s books will also be available at some potteries.

Each pottery will produce a unique item, specially signed for this event. The pottery will be for sale at the individual shops on Saturday. There will be no early sales, but any remaining items can be ordered by e-mail or telephone on Monday, Aug. 16, 2010 from participating potteries.

To learn more about Greg Mortenson, his books, or the Central Asia Institute  – click on this link.

Related Event: The Randolph Friends of the Library will hold a community discussion about Afghanistan and Mortenson’s work on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010, at 7pm, at the Randolph Arts Guild, 123 Sunset Ave in downtown Asheboro, NC (just 12 miles from Seagrove). The discussion will be led by Dr. Jeff Jones, associate professor of Russian and world history at UNC-Greensboro. All ages are welcome. Copies of Mortenson’s books and a variety of pottery vessels will be for sale. Change will be collected for “Pennies for Peace”. Refreshments will be served.


Sid Luck

The next event in August will take place at Luck’s Ware Pottery Shop on Aug. 28, 2010 – Luck Legacy 12th Annual Kiln Opening, featuring Sid Luck, his past and present apprentices, and a groundhog kiln opening. The event starts at 9am and continues until 3pm with the Kiln opening taking place at 10am. Join them for BBQ, cold drinks, and bluegrass music by Steel Magnolia. For further info call 336/879-3261 or e-mail to (lucksware@rtmc.net).


Image from 2008 kiln opening

I’m going to skip September for now, only because I don’t know of anything going on in Seagrove in that month, but I’d bet my paper that something – several events will be taking place during that month.

So, at this point I’m jumping to October, 2010, and to Southern Pines, NC – not far from Seagrove, to an event which is the brain-child of Meredith Heywood of Whynot Pottery in Seagrove. Clay and Blogs: Telling a Story is an exhibit which will be presented at The Campbell House Galleries, from Oct. 1 – 29, 2010. This is the home of the Moore County Arts Council in Southern Pines. (That’s right, you’re thinking golf.)


Work by Jennifer Mecca of York, SC

This exhibition will give viewers a glimpse into a unique community of 50 working potters (some from Seagrove) who are separated by distance, but brought together through the common language of clay and the written word in a digital world. These potters share their lives, skills, thoughts, triumphs and defeats through an on-line medium called a blog or web log.

So here’s a chance to see some international pottery. Oh, and did I mention Carolina Arts is a media sponsor of this exhibit? Well, we are.

For more information and a list of participating blogging potters visit
(http://whynotpotteryblog.blogspot.com) and click the link at the top of the page.

Make your plans now.

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North Carolina Pottery Center in Seagrove, NC, Announces 11th Annual Benefit Auction Results!

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

I received this info at Carolina Arts about the fundraiser which took place at the NC Pottery Center in April. As you read this and start thinking – I should have been there, you can still be there by sending in a nice check to support the NC Pottery Center. They can even take your money online at this link.

Here’s the press release:

The North Carolina Pottery Center in partnership with Leland Little Auction and Estate Sales, Ltd. is pleased to announce that we have raised $24,800 at the 11th Annual Benefit Auction “Going, Going, Gone To Pots!” held Sunday afternoon, April 25, 2010, at the North Carolina Pottery Center in Seagrove, NC. The auction featured over one hundred fifty pieces of fine contemporary and historical North Carolina pottery.

The evening was made possible through the generosity of North Carolina potters and collectors, Signature Sponsors included: Community One Bank, First Bank, and Leland Little Auction and Estate Sales, Ltd., along with Gold Sponsors included: Progress Energy, Insurance Associates of the Triad, Total Communications, the Umstead Hotel and Spa, Sodexho, and Pugh Funeral Home.

Our Silver Sponsors included: Cabot Cheese, Seagrove Stoneware Inn, Eco Ornaments, Duck Smith House, Village Printing, Rock Ola Cafe, Klaussner Foundation, Kirk McNaughton and Linda Carnes-McNaughton, Energizer Battery, Asheboro, and the NC Zoological Society. Our volunteers were many and they made this a wonderful event. The Auction Committee comprised of the NCPC Board members, the NCPC staff and Bonnie Burns and Dick and Joanne Peterson put in many hours planning and fund raising.

During the Auction Preview hour Bluegrass music was featured by Matthew Nance and friends and attendees enjoyed a light buffet.

Exhibitions are made possible through the generosity of our membership, the North Carolina Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Mary and Elliott Wood Foundation, and the Goodnight Educational Foundation. Thank you!

Back to me.

If you’re going through that area or are interested in learning about NC pottery, visit the Center. They are currently presenting the exhibition, The Pottery of Buncombe County, A Historical and Contemporary Overview, featuring two separate, but related exhibitions, on view through July 31, 2010. You can read about the exhibits and see some images at this link.

The mission of the North Carolina Pottery Center is to promote public awareness of and appreciation for the history, heritage, and ongoing tradition of pottery making in North Carolina. The Center is located at 233 East Avenue in Seagrove, NC. Hours of operation are Tue – Sat 10 am – 4 pm.

For more information, please call 336/873-8430 or visit (www.ncpotterycenter.org).

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North Carolina Pottery Center in Seagrove, NC, Features Pottery of Buncombe County

Sunday, May 9th, 2010

I’m jumping the gun again on our June issue of Carolina Arts, but I wanted readers to know about this exhibit as soon as possible – especially since works by the contemporary artists being featured are for sale. The exhibit started May 7, but if you didn’t read about it until after our June issue hits the streets – you would be way behind other collectors. Now we can’t have that for our loyal readers.

BTW – the true meaning of the phrase “contemporary artists” in this case is artists who are still alive. The word “contemporary” doesn’t always mean – cutting edge, funky or even avant-garde. But many of the contemporary artists in this exhibit may be producing non-traditional pottery. Now, if I only had a description for non-traditional. Well, you could always go see for yourself.

Here’s the press release:

The North Carolina Pottery Center in Seagrove, NC, is presenting The Pottery of Buncombe County, A Historical and Contemporary Overview, featuring two separate, but related exhibitions, on view through July 31, 2010.

The Contemporary Pottery Overview of Buncombe County, curated by Brian McCarthy of Asheville, NC, a  longtime major supporter of the NC Pottery Center is featured in Galleries I and II.  Contemporary wares by thirty-nine potters from the Buncome County, Asheville area includes works by: Troy Amastar, Maria Andrate-Troya, Kristen Benyo-Schoonover, Eileen Black, Charlie Brown, Kyle Carpenter, Chiwa Clark, Josh Copus, Julie Covington, Lee Davis, Holly deSaillan, Steven Forbes-deSoule, Paul Frehe, Diana Gillispie, Hank Goodman, Michael Hoffman, Jennifer Hoolihan, Freeman Jones, Matthew Jones, Maggie Jones, Gabriel Kline, Eric Knoche, Tyrone Larson, Julie Larson, Cynthia Lee, Rodney Leftwich, Leah Leitson, Rob Mangum, Beth Moring, Karen Newgard, Les Powell, John Ransmeier, Emily Reason, Cassie Ryalls, Akira Satake, Joey Sheehan, Heather Tinnero, Kathy Triplett, and Fran Welch.


Work by Kyle Carpenter


Work by Steven Forbes deSoule

The works by these contemporary artists are available for sale during the exhibition.

The Historical Pottery Overview of Buncombe County, curated by Steve Lott of the Buncombe County area is showcased in Gallery III. This exhibit features historical Buncombe County forms from early masters like Oscar Bachelder, Davis Brown, Javan Brown, Thomas Case, David Donkel, George Donkel, Albert Fulbright, Jeter Lankford, Cash Penland, William Marion Penland, Joseph Sylvester Penland, Lee Smith Pottery, Walter B. Stephen, Edward Stone, John Henry Stone, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Throckmorton, and Benjamin Trull.


Historical work from Pisgah Forest


Historical work from Pisgah Forest

These exhibitions are being sponsored by Harriett Herring.

Exhibitions at the North Carolina Pottery Center are also made possible through the generosity of our membership, the North Carolina Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Mary and Elliott Wood Foundation and the Goodnight Educational Foundation.

The Center is located in Seagrove, in the heart of the state. Its mission is to interpret the history and on-going tradition of North Carolina pottery making. Beginning with American Indian pottery and followed by the work of European settlers, production has continued uninterrupted for centuries. Interpretive exhibits and programs are featured, and the Center provides information to visitors about the nearly 100 potteries located in the Seagrove area.

For further information check our NC Institutional Gallery listings, call the Center at 336/873-8430 or visit (www.ncpotterycenter.org).

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North Carolina Pottery Center 11th Annual Auction Takes Place in Seagrove, NC – April 25, 2010

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

Well, I hope no regular reader of Carolina Arts Unleashed needs to be reminded that the North Carolina Pottery Center in Seagrove, NC, is keeping the doors open by fundraising events as funding from local, regional, state or national government sources is not cutting it. Without these fundraisers and the support of those people who participate in these fundraisers – those doors would be closed.

So, it’s important to support these events – if you’re a pottery lover, history lover, art lover, or just a person who appreciates the fact that thousands of years ago some creative folks discovered a way to turn – what most thought was just dirt – into vessels which: kept people from having to walk to the stream, river or lake every time they were thirsty, made it possible to store fluids and foods for a period of time, and made it possible to eat food on a surface which kept the junk of the world out of our food.

It’s called pottery. Some of you still use some of these products – everything isn’t made of plastic – yet. And, I for one, hope that day never comes.

So, my pitch is for as many of you that can – go to this event, spend lots of money and if you can’t go – bid by phone. If you can’t afford to do either, see if you can become a member. And, if you’re one of those folks with the bothersome problem of having so much money you just can’t think of enough ways to reduce your tax burden – write the NC Pottery Center a big check and if that doesn’t help your situation out enough – write one to Carolina Arts too. We’re here to help you good folks.

One final note – you can preview the auction offerings on Friday, Apr. 23, 2010, from 10am -5pm and Sunday, Apr. 25, 2010, before the auction starts.

Here’s their pitch:

The North Carolina Pottery Center, partnering with Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd (LLAES), is pleased to announce, the 11th annual, Going, Going, Gone to Pots!, fundraising auction on April 25, 2010. In addition to an outstanding selection of contemporary and vintage pottery, the auction will offer pottery related items, such as books, posters and photographs. These items will be available for viewing on three web sites; (www.auctionzip.com), (www.ncpotterycenter.com) and (www.llauctions.com), which will offer national exposure of the items, artists and the North Carolina Pottery Center. The new expanded preview period, which opens later this month, also provides an option facilitated by LLAES, Ltd., for absentee and advance telephone bidding for persons unable to attend the live auction.

The North Carolina Pottery Center’s Board of Directors and the auction/fundraising committee, encourages and appreciates the public support that enables us to maintain our mission of promoting public awareness and appreciation of the history, heritage, and ongoing tradition of pottery making in North Carolina. We cordially invite you to participate in this vital and necessary fund-raising event. Your support allows us to ensure the continued success and viability of the North Carolina Pottery Center.

Along with our partner, Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, the following sponsors have generously committed their support to the North Carolina Pottery Center’s auction: Total Communication, Community One Bank, the Pinehurst/Southern Pines/Aberdeen Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Umstead Hotel, Energizer, Pugh Funeral Home, Insurance Associates of the Triad, Cabot Cheese, the Duck Smith House B&B, The North Carolina Zoological Society, Total Wine, Westmoore Family Restaurant, with others joining daily.

The Auction is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, April 25, 2010. The auction begins at 5pm, but the doors of the NC Pottery Center will open at 3:30pm with a preview, appetizers and local, traditional bluegrass music. There is no admission and everyone is welcome!

The North Carolina Pottery Center offers educational opportunities to statewide schools and individuals, changing historical and contemporary exhibitions, demonstrations, and information about statewide potters. The NCPC is a private nonprofit entity, funded primarily through memberships, grants, fundraisers, admissions, and appropriations.

The NC Pottery Center is open Tuesdays – Saturdays 10am to 4pm, ADMISSION (excluding free special events): $2- adults, $1 – students (9th through 12th grades), free – children through 8th grade, and free – NCPC members. The Center is handicap accessible. Groups and tours welcomed.

For further information and details call 336/873-8430, e-mail to (info@ncpotterycenter.org) or visit (www.NCPotteryCenter.org).

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Reminder – Catawba Valley Pottery and Antiques Festival in Hickory, NC, Takes Place on March 26 & 27, 2010

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

I wanted to give my readers interested in pottery events taking place around the Carolinas and those looking for something interesting to do the weekend of Mar. 26 & 27, 2010, an update on the 13th annual Catawba Valley Pottery and Antiques Festival, which is a fundraising event for the Catawba County Historical Association in Hickory, NC, and the NC Pottery Center in Seagrove, NC. You can read my earlier posting at this link.

But, I’ll add this info for those who don’t want to go from link to link just to get you interested.

In addition to the 110 pottery and antique vendors from all over the Southeast, this year’s festival will feature a pottery exhibit prepared by Dr. Terry Zug, retired University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill professor and author of Turners and Burners: The Folk Potters of North Carolina.

The speaker this year is Stephen C. Compton, a native of Alamance County, NC. Compton holds an A.B. in anthropology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, M. Div. from Duke University, and D. Min. from Emory University and currently is the district superintendent for the Sanford District of The United Methodist Church. He formerly served as president of the board of directors for the North Carolina Pottery Center and was a founding member and first president of the North Carolina Pottery Collectors’ Guild (http://www.ncpotterycollectors.org/Home_Page.php).

For advance tickets to the Friday Night Preview Party (Mar. 26, 2010) ($40 per – required by Mar. 19, 2010) call the Catawba County Historical Association at 828/322-3943 or 828/324-7294.

If you go and end up talking with any of the potters from the Carolinas there – do me a favor and tell them you heard about the event at Carolina Arts Unleashed. Tell them Tom sent you. It’s called networking.

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Attention All Face Jug Potters – Lenoir, NC is Calling

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

We just received this call for entry at Carolina Arts to potters who make face jugs. Spread the word. There’s not much time to act.

The Caldwell Arts Council in Lenoir, NC, is calling all face jug artists!  Plan now to participate in the April 2010 “Any Face Goes” exhibit at the Caldwell Arts Council.  Your whimsical/scary/cute face jugs will be displayed all over the Caldwell Arts Council along with quilts exhibited by Tina Cockerham and Clary Stimson. Please contact the Caldwell Arts Council at 828/754-2486 to register your interest in providing face jugs for this event prior to Feb. 26, 2010.


“Clown Face” by Jeff Young from the exhibit, Fire in the Valley: Catawba Valley Pottery Then and Now, shown at the NC Pottery Center in 2009.

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New Photos from the NC Pottery Center of Catawba Valley Pottery

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

We have received some photos of some of the older pots on view in the exhibit, Fire in the Valley: Catawba Valley Pottery Then and Now, which is on view at the NC Pottery Center in Seagrove, NC, through Jan. 30, 2010. I originally made the entry on Dec. 2, 2009, you can go back by scrolling down the page, but you can also get there by clicking this link. These images will give readers a better picture of the entire exhibit, but it’s still better if you go see it yourself.

Thanks to the NC Pottery Center for sending us these images.

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13th annual Catawba Valley Pottery and Antiques Festival Takes Place Mar. 27, 2010 in Hickory, NC

Friday, December 4th, 2009

Well, as I mentioned in an earlier blog entry I picked up a flyer about this pottery festival at the Whynot Pottery booth at the 2009 Celebration of Seagrove Potters in Seagrove, NC. It was just another example of how these potters network. Promoting one festival at another and besides it will also benefit the NC Pottery Center – something of interest to all Carolina potters and me. And once again it shows how far reaching the Pottery Center is – here they are involved in an event all the way up in Hickory.

NC Legislators – don’t pay attention to anything the Bobbsey Twins of the pottery world tell you – check out the facts on the NC Pottery Center. You’ll be surprised at what’s the truth.

So, after I got home from Seagrove I checked out the website for the 13th annual Catawba Valley Pottery and Antiques Festival, which was actually the website for the Catawba County Historical Association, where I found this press release.

The 13th annual Catawba Valley Pottery and Antiques Festival will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2010, at the Hickory Metro Convention Center, I-40, Exit 125 in Hickory, NC, from 9am until 5pm.

The Festival is a fundraising event for two non-profit institutions, the Catawba County Historical Association and the North Carolina Pottery Center. Tickets are $6 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under and are available at the door. Ticket holders will be entered into a drawing for door prizes.

Friday night, March 26, 2010 is the Preview Party from 7-10pm. A southern-style supper, live entertainment, and the early buying opportunity make this a popular event. Advance tickets are required and must be purchased by March 19, 2010. Tickets are $40. No Preview Party tickets will be sold at the door. Please call 828/324-7294 for purchase information.

Do you have a piece of pottery of unknown background? Representatives from the North Carolina Pottery Collectors’ Guild will be available to offer expert opinions on the possible background and history of individual collectors’ pieces.

In addition to the 110 pottery and antique vendors from all over the Southeast, this year’s festival will feature a pottery exhibit prepared by Dr. Terry Zug, retired University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill professor and author of Turners and Burners: The Folk Potters of North Carolina.

The speaker this year is Stephen C. Compton, a native of Alamance County, NC. Compton holds an A.B. in anthropology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, M.Div. from Duke University, and D. Min. from Emory University and currently is the district superintendent for the Sanford District of The United Methodist Church. He formerly served as president of the board of directors for the North Carolina Pottery Center and was a founding member and first president of the North Carolina Pottery Collectors’ Guild.

An avid collector of North Carolina pottery for nearly twenty years, Compton has assembled a group of about 1,000 pieces of pottery dating from the 18th century to the present, including utilitarian earthenware, stoneware, and art pottery. Objects from his collection have been displayed in numerous exhibits and publications. Publication of a book edited by him, North Carolina Earthenware: Origin of a Ceramic Tradition, is pending.

For further information on the Catawba Valley Pottery and Antiques Festival (http://www.catawbahistory.org/catawba_valley_pottery_and_antiques_festival.php), please contact 828/322-3943 or 828/324-7294.

For advance tickets to the Friday Night Preview Party ($40 per – required by Mar. 19, 2010) send check or money order to: CVPAF, PO Box 2583, Hickory, NC 28603

This announcement might seem a little ahead of time, but it never hurts to plan ahead and many Yankees (I’m originally from Michigan) who read this will be looking for any excuse to head south after a couple of months of winter weather. And, I’m sure we’ll have more details to offer about this festival as we get closer to the date of its happening.

Plus, I’m always looking for ways to show that Carolina Arts has an expanded vision of the overall pottery community in the Carolinas. Get the hint you other potters and pottery areas? You feed us the info – we spread it around.

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