That “Center of NC Pottery” thing is more about a geographical description. We know there is pottery going on all over North Carolina, but it sounds good saying it. We definitely hear more from the potters in the Seagrove area. But if you ever want to know what’s going on or being planned in Seagrove, just check the site of the Seagrove Area Potters Association at (http://www.discoverseagrove.com/).
From Westmoore Pottery
First up is the Westmoore Pottery: Heritage Day, taking place on Nov. 13, 2010, 9am-5pm. In November of each year, Westmoore Pottery marks the anniversary of its founding in 1977 (33 years this year!) by celebrating both their own and North Carolina’s pottery heritage. The focus this year will be on styles made by North Carolina’s non-Moravian potters who were working in the 18th and early 19th centuries. The official Westmoore Pottery scrapbooks will also be hauled out for the day. Westmoore Pottery is located at 4622 Busbee Road in Seagrove. For further info call 910/464-3700, e-mail at (westmoore@rtmc.net) or visit (www.westmoorepottery.com).
Of course the exhibit, Pottery from the Coastal Carolina Clay Guild, is still on view at the North Carolina Pottery Center in “downtown” Seagrove through Nov. 13, 2010, and then from Nov. 23, 2010 through Feb. 12, 2011, the Center will be offering the exhibit, Collectors Eye, Series I: Seven Perspectives, featuring works from the collections of Monty Busick, Steve Compton, Bragg Cox, Leon Danielson, Joe Foster, George Hoffman, and Joe Wilkinson.
The NC Pottery Center is always a good first stop when visiting Seagrove.
To finnish off the month of November, you have the 3rd Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters which takes place at the historic Luck’s Cannery in Seagrove on Nov. 19 – 21, 2010. For further information e-mail (contact@celebrationofseagrovepotters.com) or visit (www.celebrationofseagrovepotters.com).
I’ve heard that there is another pottery festival going on in Seagrove at the same time and dates as the Celebration, but I don’t know anything about it – they haven’t contacted me about it so I have nothing to say about it.
Once we’ve filled ourselves with turkey and we wake up from that big nap, our thoughts turn to holiday gifts. The Seagrove area potters are there for you with kiln openings and other events.
Joseph Sand Pottery
Back in August we brought you news about a new pottery opening – not in Seagrove, but in the area between Randleman and Asheboro – just up the road from Seagrove or on the way, if you’re traveling on Hwy. 220 (the future I-73 & I-74) – Joseph Sand Pottery. Joseph Sand was hosting his first kiln opening and we hear it was a big success. His next kiln opening is on Dec. 4, 2010, (9am to 5pm) and Dec. 5, 2010, (noon to 5pm). They will have many of the same kind of items for sale again, including an array of large, sculptural vases.
Pottery by Joseph Sand
A peek inside the monster kiln at Joseph Sand Pottery
Joseph Sand Pottery is located at 2555 George York Road in Randleman, NC. For further info call 612/518-4051, e-mail at (joseph@jsspottery.com) and on the web at (www.jsspottery.com). He and his wife Amanda also offer a blog found at (www.sandceramics.blogspot.com).
From Westmoore Pottery
Westmoore Pottery (4622 Busbee Road, Seagrove, NC) will also be offering a Holiday Open House on Dec. 4, 2010, from 9am to 5pm. Join the folks at Westmoore Pottery as they celebrate the holiday season. The shop will be decorated for the holidays, and a kiln load of pottery will be unloaded, including special pieces made just for this day. Refreshments will be served. For further info call 910/464-3700, e-mail at (westmoore@rtmc.net) or visit (www.westmoorepottery.com).
Also on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, from 9:30am-5:30pm Seagrove potters Bruce Gholson and Samantha Henneke will have a fresh variety of pottery in their shop for the holiday season. Visit them at their Bulldog Pottery studio, located at 3306 US Hwy 220 Seagrove, NC, for lively conversation about their recent work and light refreshments. For more information about Samantha and Bruce’s holiday kiln opening call them at 336/302-3469, e-mail to (bulldog@bulldogpottery.com), or visit (www.bulldogpottery.com).
From Thomas Pottery
Thomas Pottery at 1295 S. NC 705 Hwy. in Seagrove will have its 2010 Holiday Kiln Opening on Dec. 4, 2010, from 10am-5pm & Dec. 5, 2010, from 1-4pm. Thomas Pottery welcomes you to see their most popular hand-painted log cabin snow scene dinnerware with accompanying serving pieces. Angels, candle holders, holiday trays and an array of tree ornaments will be offered. During this special event, tours of the studio and refreshments will be served. For further info call 336/879-4145, e-mail at (scottandbobbie@thomaspottery.com) or visit (www.thomaspottery.com).
A look inside Seagrove Stoneware
A little later in the month, Seagrove Stoneware at 136 W Main Street in Seagrove will host its Annual Kiln Opening & Gallery Sale on Dec. 11 & 12, 2010. Join them for their annual kiln opening and gallery sale featuring new work, one of a kind pieces, and special discounts in their gallery. For further information call 336/873-8283, e-mail at (artists@seagrovestoneware.com) or visit (www.seagrovestoneware.com).
Of course whenever you’re in Seagrove, there are 24 potteries that participated in the Seagrove Potters for Peace 2010 fundraiser for Three Cups of Tea author Greg Mortenson’s Central Asia Institute. Since August of this year, the group has raised nearly $6000. These galleries have sold a lot of special items for this cause, but there are still plenty of items left to purchase. Check this link to see which potteries have items left. For more information and a list of participating potters, go to (www.seagrovepottersforpeace.com) or call 910/464-5661.
There you go. This is what I know is going on, but I bet there is always something else going on that I don’t know about. And like I said above – check out the site for the Seagrove Area Potters Association at (http://www.discoverseagrove.com/).
