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A Trip to Seagrove, NC, to a Fundraiser for the NC Pottery Center – The Potter’s Palette – Feb. 4, 2012

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

As is usually the case – many planets have to come into alignment for Linda and I to be able to go somewhere together. I hate it when I have to go somewhere without her and she hates it even more than I do, but it just so happened that the Feb. 2012 issue of Carolina Arts was launched – e-mail notices were sent out and she was off from her other job on Saturday, Feb. 4. So we made plans to head to Seagrove, NC, to visit a few potters and then attend The Potter’s Palette, a unique fundraising art auction where potters from throughout NC were asked to make a painting to be auctioned off in support of the NC Pottery Center.

OK, two points have to be addressed before we can continue. One, I have grown to dislike art auctions, like many artists who are asked on a regular basis to contribute artworks to them. There are way too many of them and some are just a facade for some folks to throw a party for themselves and take home some cheap art. Also the “art auction” seems to be only a burden of the visual art community – what about the performing and literary arts? But, I do support art auctions that make sense for the artists to support. NC potters supporting the NC Pottery Center is a given.

Point two – what another fundraiser? Yes, fundraisers are the name of the game these days. Government funding of the arts is almost non-existent and has been shrinking over the last decade. Believe me, these folks would love not to do it, but it’s a fact of survival.

What I loved about The Potter’s Palette fundraiser was that it wasn’t potters giving more pots to be auctioned off – reducing the market value of their pots in the name of a good cause. This was asking them to work out of the box creating art that doesn’t compete with their pottery – appealing to pottery collectors – offering them a chance to bid on something rare and unusual – a real one-of-a-kind item. This concept is similar to the collaborative pots auctioned off during the Celebration of Seagrove Potter’s festival. How often can you bid on a pot made by two different potters – who are not married to each other?

The trip to Seagrove from Bonneau, SC, the headquarters of Carolina Arts is about a 3 1/2 to 4 hour drive – some on rural roads, but mostly on Interstate highways (I-95 and the future I-73 & I 74), with Florence, SC, acting as a rest stop. We left early to drop in on a few potteries that I have not been to since I stopped delivering the paper – over a year now. I was in Seagrove in November of 2011 for the Celebration of Seagrove Potters, but had no time to visit individual potteries. Besides, most were at pottery festivals that weekend.

We got to the rest area just outside of Seagrove about 12:30pm. We had lunch and headed to Bulldog Pottery to pay a visit to Samantha Henneke and Bruce Gholson, as well as Max the wonder bulldog and Ed and Gloria Henneke. But we had to settle for two out of five. Max was walled off from us. The excuse was that Max had pottery studio dust feet, which Max being Max would end up all over us (a big bummer) and they claimed Ed and Gloria were down in Florida, but I think Ed was still mad at me over the fact that Michigan had beaten Virginia Tech in a bowl game. Some people take a football loss like that hard. Just kidding Ed – it’s a good thing Michigan had paid off the refs ahead of time – right.

We got a tour of their new studio space. Well it was not so new to them, but new to us. Again, I’m amazed at all the stuff and equipment that goes into making pottery. If the public only knew what I have seen – behind the scenes of making art – they wouldn’t complain about the price of art much. At least you would think that. Most think it just involves a potter’s wheel and some clay.

We also got to talk some more about social media. Which is when my head started hurting and I noticed that there were two pots still spinning on wheels and the light bulb when off – they’re in the middle of working.

We next headed to Whynot Pottery to visit with Meredith and Mark Heywood to see what they were up to since we last saw them. Yes, I follow the blog and Facebook entries of these folks, but you can’t get the whole picture from those postings. Besides I still like the old school social media where you talk with people – face to face.

My mistake at Whynot Pottery was when we went inside their home, I sat or melted into their couch. If we didn’t have the event at the Pottery Center to go to and Linda wasn’t on call Sunday for her 911 job – I might have ended up watching the Super Bowl from that couch. Talk about visitors who never leave – it could have been me.

You ever notice that when couples get together that eventually the guys will be talking on one subject and the gals on another and sometimes the two paths of conversation will cross – and make sense? We had a few of those, but mostly we talked about a project they are working on with a designer from Charlotte, NC, who is working with a bigger designer in California.

At this point no one knows where this project will lead, but it really sounds interesting in that these designers are going to be pitching American Made up against Made in China and hopefully American consumers are ready to buy into the concept of the value of American craft over China’s price. We hope to have more about this project later.

Once I looked at the time, I think it took me about 20 minutes to transition slowly to a point where I could move off of that couch. My body didn’t want to go.

We got to the NC Pottery Center in downtown Seagrove just a little after the event started and the parking lot was packed. And, so was the Center. Very soon we were standing in a line which eventually led to the food, which was being provided by Jennie Lorette Keatts, of JLK Jewelry at Jugtown, who we later learned was a caterer in a previous life. And what a spread it was – steamed shrimp, smoked salmon pate, tuna pate, sundried tomato tapenade, Rosemary white bean spread, Asian marinated meatballs, miniature quiches, stuffed baby red potatoes, cheeses, fruit, veggies, desserts, and more. You won’t see any photos of the food, as there was never a time that there wasn’t a crowd of people around those tables, except during the live auction, and I found it impossible to fill my plate and take pictures. But I know my priorities.


Michael Mahan (r) and Phil Winn (l)

Wonderful Irish music was being provided by Michael Mahan, of From the Ground Up Pottery, and Phil Winn from Greensboro, NC. It doesn’t seem fair that these artists have so many talents. They should have left some for the rest of us.


NC Potter Center Board Member Michael Kline serving up drinks


A last minute inspection of works to be auctioned


More inspections


Potter Fred Johnston of Johnston and Gentithes Art Pottery giving folks a closer look at a work

Soon the live auction was starting, but it took the crowd a little time to settle down. There was a lot of excitement in the air and so many people to talk to. Bidding started a little slowly, but before you knew it – it was moving along fast and the bidding was getting heated on some of the items. One painting by Vernon Owens of Jugtown Pottery went for $1700. The high bidder was somewhere on the other end of a cell phone manned by Travis Owens. The crowd erupted when the auctioneer called out – “Sold for $1700!” I later learned that Alex Matisse’s painting came in second and brought a final bid of $1650.


Travis Owens making a bid for the mystery person on the phone


Mark Hewitt describing a painting

One of the highlights of the auction was the commentary by Mark Hewitt of Pittsboro, NC, potter and board member of the NC Pottery Center, about each of the paintings being offered. His comments got interesting, especially when it came to a work by himself or of a good friend. At times it sounded as if he was auditioning for a job at Sotheby’s or to be an Art History professor.

There wasn’t any painting that didn’t attract a bid – thank you bidding audience, and at least 50 percent of the paintings went for over $100 and some climbed to $400, $500, $600, and higher as several bidders fought to become the owner. A few bargains were had for what I would call a steal, but the bidding was well spread throughout the crowd. Some of the potters who had contributed a painting were also bidding on other potter’s paintings. The spirit of a true fundraiser was in this crowd.


People checking their bid sheets to see which painting is up next

Before the evening was over, what I would call halfway over by looking at the bid list, Linda and I had to head back to Bonneau. Linda was on call on Sunday, and although she didn’t get called in and was able to participate in the first ever Carolina Arts All Day Super Bowl Celebration, we didn’t want to take the chance of getting home around 1 or 2am and she getting that dreaded call to come in to work at 7am.

The Pottery Center has not issued a final total raised during the event, but it might come in over $15,000. An official press release will come later, but I’d say it was a very successful venture, one that I’m sure we’ll see again and will no doubt be better than this first one. That’s the way they roll in Seagrove.

You can see other photos from the event (better than mine) at the Pottery Center’s Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/North-Carolina-Pottery-Center-Seagrove-NC/102520396006). While you’re there you might want to “Like” it to keep up with future events. Their annual potter auction will be coming up soon.

You can read more details about this event at an earlier post I made on Jan. 31, 2012, at this link (http://carolinaarts.com/wordpress/2012/01/31/north-carolina-pottery-center-in-seagrove-nc-offers-the-potters-palette-something-different-feb-4-2012/).

To learn more about the NC Pottery Center, check our their website at (www.NCPotteryCenter.org).

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Posted in Fundraisers, NC Pottery, NC Pottery Center, NC Visual Arts, Pottery | Comments Off

Bulldog Pottery in Seagrove, NC, Offers 3rd Cousins in Clay Event – May 28 & 29, 2011

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011


Work by Peter Lenzo

We ran this article in our May 2011 issue of Carolina Arts, but we’ve learned that everyone doesn’t bother with publications these days. Many people’s attention span is just too short for publications. They like blog entries, Facebook status updates or even tweets.

But, I wanted to make sure people interested in pottery would see this – one way or another. I’m hoping I can make another trip to Seagrove (hold the tornadoes this time – please), but it’s a rough time of the month for us to be gone – unless we’ve finished our June issue early. We’ll have our fingers crossed.

Last year I missed meeting up with Peter Lenzo, who was on his way to the 2nd Clay Cousins, as a visitor, and I had to get back home by that time of the day. We probably passed each other on Hwy. 220. I really admire Lenzo and his work. We have a couple of his crazy head pieces – which are pretty strange. But, I like strange – as do a lot of other folks. And, of course there’s always Max – the bulldog who just keeps on ticking.

I also enjoy talking with Michael Kline, and it’s always a plus when you get all these good and talented folks together. I might even be able to go over to Whynot Pottery and get some cake and see the new exhibit at the NC Pottery Center.

A lot of our friends are beginning to figure out that there must be something going on in Seagrove to keep drawing us back. When they ask – I just smile and say – it’s OK. But they know me and they figure I’m holding something back.

Hey, haven’t I been telling folks to go to Seagrove for years now. Duh!

Here’s that article:


Work by Jack Troy

Come meet the “Clay Cousins” who are devoted to making pottery as a way of life. On May 28, from 9am-4pm and May 29, from 10am-4pm, Seagrove, NC, potters Bruce Gholson and Samantha Henneke of Bulldog Pottery hold their 3rd annual “Cousins in Clay” event. Once again they will bring a line up of renowned potters to their rural pottery community of Seagrove in central North Carolina. Three nationally known studio art potters, Jack Troy, Michael Kline, and Peter Lenzo will bring their ceramic art to Bulldog Pottery for the special two day event. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet with the artists and add to your pottery collection or begin one. Bulldog Pottery is located five miles south of Seagrove’s single stop light on Alternate Highway 220.

Creative energy is clearly unlimited for Pennsylvanian potter Jack Troy, who weaves his productive life around his passion for ceramics. He began teaching young artists in 1967 at Juniata College, has taught over 185 workshops, written 2 books about clay, a book of original poems titled Calling the Planet Home, published over 60 articles and book reviews, all while producing a constant stream of pottery at his Pennsylvania studio. Troy gives homage to our state of North Carolina in his Wood-fired Stoneware and Porcelain book (1995), by saying, “If North America has a pottery state it must be North Carolina”.


Work by Samantha Henneke

Like a writer creating his autobiography, South Carolinian artist Peter Lenzo sculpts head vessels that are symbolic representations of his personal story.  Intrigued by the 19th century southern pottery face jug tradition, Lenzo has created self-portrait face jugs that are clearly unique to his own personal interpretation of this long-standing southern folk art tradition.


Work by Michael Kline

Michael Kline, a studio potter from the mountains of North Carolina, creates inspired traditional forms that are graced with his elegant floral brushwork giving a botanical theme to his wood-fired pottery jugs and jar forms. Sometimes his pots are covered with a honey amber color glaze that is as appetizing as maple syrup. Kline will be presenting brushwork demonstrations on both Saturday (2pm) and Sunday (1:30pm) during the event.

Bruce Gholson and Samantha Henneke have created a collaborative environment at their Bulldog Pottery studio that provides them the support to express their independent voices, more than they would be able to achieve individually. Their art pottery has become known for an eclectic mix of form, imagery, texture, pattern, and graceful design all integrated by their rich and distinctive glazes.


Work by Bruce Gholson

Both Bulldog Pottery and Michael Kline share their personal journeys of the day-to-day life of being full time studio potters through their clay blogs. Join them to find out what is happening next in their studio at Micheal Kline’s “Sawdust and Dirt” blog (www.michaelklinepottery.blogspot.com) and Bruce and Samantha’s blog, “Around and About with Bulldog Pottery” (www.bulldogpottery.blogspot.com).

Come out for the day or spend the weekend in the “Seagrove pottery community”, where three North Carolina rural Piedmont counties come together: Randolph (known for the NC Zoo), Moore (known for Pinehurst Golf), and Montgomery (known for the beautiful Uwharrie Mountains). Bulldog Pottery’s “Cousins in Clay” brings together a rich diversity of contemporary ceramics for this two day event. “Cousins in Clay” is a kinship based on shared appreciation for the pursuit of excellence within the diverse language of clay. Visit their website (www.cousinsinclay.com) for more details and information on accommodations in the area or call 336/302-3469.

Where did the “Cousins in Clay” name come from?

The event’s name, ‘Cousins in Clay”, is attributed to fellow potter Michael Kline who referred euphemistically on his blog Sawdust and Dirt to a “visit to his clay cousins in Seagrove”, Bruce and Samantha decided to invite Michael to participate in their first Bulldog Pottery Studio Art sale, and titled it “Cousins in Clay”.  This is now an annual event.

For further information call Bulldog at 910/428-9728 or visit (www.bulldogpottery.com).

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Posted in About Seagrove Pottery, Blogging, Central NC, Columbia SC Visual Arts, Not About Seagrove Pottery, Seagrove Pottery, WNC Visual Arts | Comments Off

Daffie Days Will be Popping Up at Bulldog Pottery in Seagrove, NC – Mar. 25 – 27, 2011

Monday, March 14th, 2011

Bruce Gholson and Samantha Henneke of Bulldog Pottery in Seagrove, NC, are working hard to make sure that more than the daffodils are adding to the color of Spring in Seagrove. The end result is Daffie Days – with fresh colorful pots at Bulldog Pottery – Mar. 25 – 27, 2011.

And, you can be sure that Ed and Gloria Henneke and Max the bulldog are right in the middle of the action. Of course Max will being doing home security duties during the event – so feel free to show your legs – they probably need some sun after this Winter.

Hours for Daffie Days are:
Friday, Mar. 25 – 9am – 6pm
Saturday, Mar. 26 – 9am – 6pm
Sunday, Mar. 27 – 11am – 5pm

Bruce and Samantha will offer a variety of vases and studio art pottery. Daffie Days is their kiln opening to welcome the beginning of spring. Light refreshments will be available.

If you want to follow the action, just check out the Bulldog Pottery blog at (http://bulldogpottery.blogspot.com/). Or go “Like” their Facebook Page.

Can’t make it! Let me take a few seconds for this to settle in.

OK – let’s say you’re getting married that weekend or having elective cosmetic surgery. I guess that’s understandable.

Makeup days will be Apr. 16 & 17, 2011, when Bulldog Pottery participates with other Seagrove area potteries during the Seagrove Celebration of Spring Kiln Openings. We’ll have more about that later.

And, if you’re the kind of person who’s about to tell me you can’t make it that weekend, as that’s the weekend you and the gang planned to meet after that big job you pulled off and the statute of limitations have run out – OK – another pass, but you have to make it to this next event – no excuses.

Cousins in Clay 2011 will be held at Bulldog Pottery on May 28 & 29, 2011. This year’s guest potters will be Jack Troy from Pennsylvania and Peter Lenzo from South Carolina.

If you don’t make that event – the next person at your door just might be wearing a dark blue jacket with the letters F. B. I. stenciled on the back. And, if you hear them say – “Bring up Max” – run!

Bulldog Pottery is located, 5 miles south of the town of Seagrove, NC, on Business 220 (right off of future Interstate 73/74).

For more information about these events call 336/302-3469, e-mail to (bulldog@bulldogpottery.com), or visit (www.bulldogpottery.com).

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Word and Pictures are Starting to Come Out from the 3rd Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters in Seagrove, NC

Saturday, November 20th, 2010


Some of the blogging potters in Seagrove, NC, who are part of the 3rd Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters have started posting pictures and feedback on their blogs.

If you can’t read between the lines – I couldn’t go this year – I’m spend the weekend working on another pottery project. Announcement coming soon.

First word came from Around and About with Bulldog Pottery by Bruce Gholson and Samantha Henneke of Bulldog Pottery. They’re young with lots of energy. And, Michael Mahan posting at From the Ground Up has offered images of his booth.

I’m sure it won’t be long before we see a report from Meredith and Mark Heywood on the Whynot Pottery Blog about what’s been going on.

New – I’ve added in Touya News the blog of Takuro Shibata and Hitomi Akebi Shibata and Turning Mud Into Gemstones the blog of Jennie Lorette Keatts. Both have added more info from the Celebration.

All of their blogs offer links to other blog where news may be soon popping up. So, if you’re like me and can’t go this year – live through the blogs.

This morning I got a call from my friend Will Ravenel who went with me to the Celebration last year – from the Celebration. He was wondering if I was on my way. I wish. And, then later he called to tell me I was again responsible for him leaving a boat load of money in Seagrove.

It’s what I do – turn people on to ways they can better spend their money – on items with lasting value. And, if you only look – that’s OK too.

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Bulldog Pottery in Seagrove, NC, Offer Show & Sale – Dec. 4, 2010

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

I’m sure the first thing regular readers of Carolina Arts Unleashed will be asking themselves after reading this headline is – How are Bruce Gholson and Samantha Henneke going to have anything left to sell after the 3rd Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters, which takes place Nov. 19 – 21, 2010? Well, they probably will sell everything they’ve made up to then at the Celebration, but like the makers of Doritos who used to advertise – Eat all you want – we’ll make more – they’ll have plenty to sell you as they’ll be making more all the time. And since they have been experimenting with glazes lately – the more will not only be different, but perhaps – if you can believe it – more interesting with every new kiln load. You may even want to check in if you attended the Celebration to see what’s warm right out of the kiln.

Don’t worry – they work like beavers and Ed and Gloria Henneke and Max the bulldog – the entire crew at Bulldog Pottery will chip in to make sure your holiday shopping will not fall short by visiting them on Dec. 4th.

Here’s their press release:


Blue Ant by Samantha Henneke, porcelain, molybdenum crystalline glazes

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. There are always new creative endeavors in the works at Bulldog Pottery, where Bruce and Samantha let their muses inspire them from one series of experiments to another. Their interests are diverse and they are always developing different glazes and color combinations to facilitate their ideas. Whether they are designing their functional Moka glaze pottery, decorative molybdenum crystalline vases, or glazed porcelain wall hangings, they enjoy coming up with new twists.  Follow their ceramic progress and the most recent happenings in their studio at their blog, Around and About with Bulldog Pottery found at (www.bulldogpottery.blogspot.com).


Spider Yunomi by Bruce Gholson, porcelain, molybdenum crystalline glazes

Bulldog Pottery studio is a collaborative environment that provides them with support to help express themselves as individuals, as well as, a working team. They brainstorm for ideas by formulating and testing clays, glazes, surface treatments, and playing off of each other’s intuition about the materials and processes. Bruce Gholson has been fascinated with fishing, fossils, reptiles and insects since childhood. Recent interests have included Chinese scholar stones, arrowheads, and the materials and geology of our region. Samantha Henneke is inspired by their home garden, and the interplay of activity and color between plant, insect and animal life forms.

Once the holiday season goes into full swing, and the Celebration of Seagrove Potters has taken place on November 19-21 in Seagrove, Bulldog Pottery will not be alone in keeping up production in the studio through December. Seagrove and Bulldog Pottery enthusiasts will have plenty of new pottery to choose from. The reality is that many industrious Seagrove potters are still making pots for December and will have an abundance of pottery coming out of their kilns after the famous “Celebration of Seagrove Potters” event. Bulldog Pottery is located, 5 miles south of the town of Seagrove, NC, on Business 220 (right off of future Interstate 73/74).

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).

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FRANK, the Franklin Street Arts Collective in Chapel Hill, NC, Offers 2010 North Carolina Clay Invitational – Sept. 7 – Oct. 24, 2010

Friday, September 10th, 2010

I learned about this new gallery in Chapel Hill, NC, when visiting the blog Around and About With Bulldog Pottery written by Bruce Gholson and Samantha Henneke. It’s that blog networking thing. So I contacted the gallery and here’s the press release they sent. We get our info at Carolina Arts from a variety of sources.

Here’s what we learned:

FRANK, the lively new Franklin Street Arts Collective in Chapel Hill, NC, will spotlight more than 30 of the state’s accomplished ceramic artists in the 2010 North Carolina Clay Invitational. The exhibit will open Friday, Sept. 10, 2010, at 7pm and run through Oct. 24, 2010.


Work by Bruce Gholson.


Work by Ken Sedberry.

North Carolina is known internationally for its large and vibrant community of contemporary potters and artists working in clay, as well for a rich ceramics heritage dating back to the early settlement of the state. This exhibit will present not only the work of FRANK members and consignment artists, but also that of leading ceramic artists from across the state.

The Invitational will feature every type of work, from functional pottery to sculpture. Among the celebrated artists are Cynthia Bringle, Holly Fischer, Steven Forbe de Soule, Mark Hewitt, Nick Joerling, Leah Leitson, Suze Lindsay, and Mary-Ann Prack. Admission is free, and many of the featured artists will attend the public opening to answer questions and discuss their work.


Work by Mark Hewitt.


Work by Nick Joerling.

FRANK’S popular TGI Thursday Salons, held every Thursday from 5pm to 8pm, will feature talks by noted clay artists and throwing demonstrations by FRANK member Susan Filley. At the salons, musical performances will include the 1930′s band, Skeedaddle.

The TGI Thursdays schedule for this exhibition includes:

Sept. 2, 2010, at 6pm – Brand Fortner, Professor at UNC will talk about the physics of color and discuss the breakdown of histograms.

Sept. 9, 2010, at 6pm – Daniel Johnston, will talk about making large pots – traditional techniques from NC &Thailand.

Sept. 16, 2010, at 6pm – a representative from STARworks Ceramics, located in Star, NC, will give a talk about, Where and what is clay? The process of making the material.

Sept. 23, 2010, at 7pm – Mark Hewitt, a renowned studio potter, will offer a talk on his favorite NC pots.

Sept. 30, 2010, at 6pm – Terry Zug, author of The North Carolina Pottery Tradition will give a talk.

FRANK will also collaborate with Kidzu, offering a special event for Kidzu kids to see the clay exhibit, watch a throwing demonstration, and then return to Kidzu to make their own project in clay.


Work by Samantha Henneke.

FRANK, featuring works from more than 80 artists, is the newest gallery for the visual arts in the Triangle. The 3400-square-foot gallery occupies the former Kerr Drug retail store on historic Franklin Street. The gallery offers ceramics, paintings, photography and sculpture as well as a wide selection of fine art, crafts, wearables, and gifts. FRANK hosts changing exhibitions, educational programs and community networking opportunities.

FRANK is located at 109 East Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. Hours are Tues. – Sat., 11am – 6pm; Thurs. till 8pm and Sun., 1-5pm.

For further information call Barbara Rich, Gallery Director, at 919/636-4135 or visit (http://frankisart.com/).

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I Made it to the 2nd Annual Cousins In Clay Event in Seagrove, NC

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

As I said in a previous posting, I was hoping that my delivery schedule would put me in the right place at the right time to become a second timer by attending the 2nd Annual, expanded, “Cousins In Clay” event that was taking place on June 5 & 6, 2010, at two locations – Bulldog Pottery and Johnston and Gentithes Art Pottery in Seagrove, NC. Here’s a link to the official website.


Works by Bruce Gholson & Samantha Henneke

This event featured works by Bruce Gholson & Samantha Henneke (Bulldog Pottery), Fred Johnston & Carol Gentithes (Johnston and Gentithes Art Pottery) and special guests Michael Kline, Val Cushing and Allison McGowan. The “cousins” is a kinship based on shared appreciation for the pursuit of excellence within the diverse language of clay. Many also share a connection with Alfred University in New York.

As it turns out, I made my final deliveries early Friday morning in Seagrove – on the run. Those who saw me or my car – saw only a blurrrrr. I had some things to do in Greensboro, NC, and the list got longer and longer and the plan was to get back to Seagrove Saturday morning. But, as usual, the best laid plans never turn out the way you think they will. In my final decision of the day it was a choice of attending Greensboro’s First Friday art walk and the NC Arts Council’s Fellowship exhibit at the Green Hill Center for NC Art and choice #2.

It’s too complicated to go into why I ended up selecting choice #2, but the folks in the Greensboro visual art community will figure it out – eventually, but I decided to go with my friend Will Ravenel to out first Grasshopper game (baseball) of the season. And, it was a great game. The Grasshopers won, but I later learned they beat the only other team in their division – below them in the standings. I felt a little guilty about not choosing art, but after a week of driving over 2,000 miles in rain and storms around the Carolinas – from the mountains to the sea – I think I made the right choice for me and by Saturday morning I was back working the visual arts.

I got to Seagrove a little later than I had hoped, but my first stop was at Whynot Pottery to touch base with Meredith Heywood about the upcoming exhibit, Clay and Blogs: Telling a Story, which will be at the Campbell House Gallery in Southern Pines, NC, Oct. 1 – 31, 2010. Carolina Arts is, hopefully for them, just one of the media sponsors for the exhibit. The exhibit will feature works by 50 potters from around the world, who also represent 45 blogs (several blogs are written by couples).

While I was there I got to be witness to a motorcycle traveler who was doing a trek from Why, AZ, to Whynot, NC. There’s always something interesting going on in Seagrove. The traveler’s first comment upon finishing his trek was – “It’s hot out there!”

Soon I was cruising down the driveway of Bulldog Pottery and when I arrived there were a lot of cars scattered around the front of the gallery area. A good sign.


A view of works by Val Cushing

I gravitated right off to the eight tables filled with pottery by Val Cushing, Michael Kline and Bruce Gholson & Samantha Henneke. What a sight – rows and rows of incredible pottery. I had already gone through the DTs at Whynot Pottery just standing next to work fresh out of the kiln. I hate this recession/depression! I knew there were to be no purchases this trip, but my mind was running the numbers and they were not adding up in my favor. Darn. So, I settled into plan B – enjoying good conversation – something that comes easy to me – at least the conversation part.

As usual, Bulldog Pottery attracted a lot of interesting people to have conversations with. I talked with the potters, visitors and even got to talk shop with a fellow publisher, Rhonda McCanless, who has started the newsletter, In the Grove, covering events in the Seagrove area. Yes, Rhonda is related to Will McCanless another of the Seagrove Potters.

Although she is just starting, and I’ve been doing this for 23 years – we still had a lot in common and were dealing with the same problems – trying to make a profit, getting people to inform you of activities in a timely fashion so you can inform the public, and  what it’s like to be a publisher – as well as an over-glorified paperboy, but in her case papergal. So here we were, both gathering info that would soon be offered to the public.

And to illustrate the info problem, we had both just learned that there was a third event taking place in Seagrove at this time at Chris Luther Pottery – as well as at Donna Craven Pottery near Asheboro. It’s hard to keep up with everything.


The best image – a view of pots and customers

There were people there from New York, Virgina, and Columbia, SC. An hour before I had determined when I had to leave ( I have a four hour drive home) I learned that a SC potter, Peter Lenzo was on the way, but several hours away – so we would be passing each other on the road. They asked if I knew him and I was proud to say yes and tell them we have several of Lenzo’s head jugs in our collection. I wish I could have stayed to chat with him there. But, there is always something else to do – somewhere else to be, plus I was getting tired of watching other people buy pottery.

I don’t know how the rest of Saturday went and I haven’t heard anything about Sunday, but I would say the 2nd annual Cousins in Clay event was a hit. I did not get to spend any time at Johnston and Gentithes Art Pottery on Saturday, but on Friday morning I did have a good conversation with Fred Johnston when I was delivering papers. I’m sure you’ll be able to read some details at the Around and About with Bulldog Pottery blog by the time I post this.

I hope next year is a better year for us and I’m not just a looker at this event.

And, Finally I’m sorry about the lack of photos of the artists – I tend to talk to people instead of taking their pictures.

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2nd Annual Cousins In Clay Takes Place June 5 & 6, 2010 in Seagrove, NC

Friday, May 28th, 2010

Now is the time to make plans for next weekend. The 2nd Annual, expanded, “Cousins In Clay” event will take place on June 5 & 6, 2010, at two locations – Bulldog Pottery and Johnston and Gentithes Art Pottery in Seagrove, NC. Here’s a link to the official website.

This event features works by Bruce Gholson & Samantha Henneke (Bulldog Pottery), Fred Johnston & Carol Gentithes (Johnston and Gentithes Art Pottery) and special guest Michael Kline, Val Cushing and Allison McGowan. The “cousins” is a kinship based on shared appreciation for the pursuit of excellence within the diverse language of clay. Many also share a connection with Alfred University in New York.


Work by Val Cushing


Work by Allison McGowan


Work by Michael Kline

I hope that my delivery schedule of the June 2010 issue of Carolina Arts will put me in Seagrove on Saturday so that I can become a second-timer, having attended the first “Cousins In Clay” event.


Work by Carol Gentithes


Work by Fred Johnston

If you attend this event and find yourself at Bulldog Pottery – keep an eye out for Ed and Gloria Henneke and dog Max – all team members at Bulldog Pottery.


Work by Samantha Henneke


Work by Bruce Gholson

And, once you’re in Seagrove don’t forget to visit the NC Pottery Center and some of the other potteries located there. You can check this link for the Seagrove Area Potters Association to learn more about the other potteries. But first go to the Cousins event for best selection.

Here’s some links to other articles or postings related to this event: Article posted at Carolina Arts Online about 2nd Annual Cousins In Clay event, a posting about Michael Kline Spring Kiln Opening, and a posting about the current exhibit at the NC Pottery Center, The Pottery of Buncombe County, A Historical and Contemporary Overview, on view through July 31, 2010.

I think that about covers it. Maybe I’ll see you there. At least a copy of Carolina Arts will be there.

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White Oak Pottery Spring Show & Sale Takes Place May 1, 2010, in Durham, NC

Sunday, April 25th, 2010

Carolina Arts received some more news about Spring pottery events – this time in Durham, NC.

On Saturday, May , 2010, from 9am to 4pm, White Oak Pottery located at 3915 Rivermont Road in Durham will host its Spring Show & Sale, featuring works by Julie Olson of White Oak Pottery, pottery by Bruce Gholson and Samantha Henneke of Bulldog Pottery of Seagrove, NC, mixed media by Addison and Eric Paige of Raven Rock Artworks of Holly Springs, NC, baskets by Bev Nagy of Charlotte, NC, and pottery by Terry Gess of Bakersville, NC.

They will be raffling off pieces of “art”, one from each participant, to benefit the Independent Animal Rescue of Durham, NC. The Rescue staff will be on hand with a variety of pets available for adoption!

Raffle tickets will be for $5 each (with a limit of 50 tickets sold per piece of art) Tickets will be sold during the show with the drawing to be held at 4pm. You need not be present to win.

Artist Demonstrations include:
Julie Olson will be demonstrating throwing from 10am-11am.
Bev Nagy will be demonstrating basketry from 1pm-2pm.
Lisa Brown will be demonstrating throwing from 2pm-3pm.

For further information call White Oak Pottery at 919/309-4747.

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A Visit to the 2009 Celebration of Seagrove Potters Festival in Seagrove, NC – Part I

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

I’m going to let you know right off the bat – this could be a three-parter with all the info I have to offer about this event. It involves much more than the Celebration event in itself. So bear with me while I take you on my journey. I hope some of you will enjoy my tale of our shared experience and the rest of you will kick yourself for not taking my advice to attend this festival. Good thing for you – it will take place again next year – bigger and better than the last two I’m sure.

I left Bonneau, SC, and headed north toward Seagrove about noon Friday, Nov. 20, 2009. That’s a short jaunt from Bonneau to Manning, SC, where I picked up I-95 and then at Florence, SC, I got off on Hwy. 52 which took me to Cheraw, SC, where I picked up Hwy. 1 to Rockingham, NC, and then Hwy. 220 (the future I-74) all the way up to Exit 45 to Seagrove. In a little more than 3 1/2 hours I was in the parking lot of the NC Pottery Center. I can’t wait until that new rest area is opened just before Exit 45 so I don’t have to stop at the one in Ellerbe. Sorry Ellerbe, I know you’re getting the short end of the stick with the new I-74, but you’re going to have to come up with something better than a rest area to attract people there.

I just made it in time to see the exhibit, Fire in the Valley: Catawba Valley Pottery Then and Now, which will be on view through Jan. 30, 2010. There will be a separate posting on that exhibit. This is also where I was going to meet up with my friend Will Ravenel, who was coming from Greensboro, NC, to go with me to the Gala Preview event. Linda, my better half, had to work that weekend. Will had agreed to come as my official photographer, since I can’t talk to people and remember to take photos. Plus, he’s a better photographer than I am. Carolina Arts and I are very grateful for his expertise with cameras, computers, websites, blogging and just about anything else technical – and, he asks some pretty good questions as well. He has joined me on several trips to Seagrove and I think he really enjoys it as much as I do.

Will arrived about an hour before the Gala Preview opened so we headed to the Westmoore Family Restaurant – a great place to get some good food at a pretty good price. But, I’m sure a lot of folks traveling to Seagrove have already found that out. Remember, Seagrove is a town of about 250 people, so you wouldn’t expect a lot of places to dine. Asheboro, NC, is just 12 miles away, so you can find everything you might need for a trip to Seagrove there. We knew there was going to be food at the Gala, but we couldn’t think of anything else to do in the meantime. Everyone in Seagrove was getting ready for one pottery festival or another.

Once we finished our dinner we headed back up Hwy. 705, the Pottery Highway, toward Seagrove to the historic Luck’s Cannery where the Celebration of Seagrove Potters was taking place. The closer we got to the turnoff the more cars joined in the line headed to the same place. The Police Officers directing traffic in and out of the Cannery did a great job of moving traffic and the parking attendants found us a place to park very quickly. Both groups did a great job all weekend long moving the horde of people in and out. I’ve waited longer to cross the street in downtown Charleston, SC.

Now it might seem like a lot of stuff – before we step foot through the door to the event I’m blogging about, but it’s all part of the experience – something I think everyone should know. It would be like blogging about an art walk in downtown Charleston, SC, and not mentioning the fact that it may have taken 20-30 minutes to drive around before you found a parking spot and that you were three blocks away from where you would like to be – and that’s someone who knows the city well. It’s all part of the experience. I hate it when people act like they just magically appeared at some event – no hassle at all. What’s not worth doing even it involves a few hassles?

OK, so we’re in the door – we have our tickets (no tickets are sold at the door so you have to buy them in advance – remember that) and right off there are copies of Carolina Arts on the check-in desk. My night was made already. We were one of the media sponsors of this event, but that doesn’t always mean you’re going to be treated in a manner you always hope for – I left the event filled with the glow that our sponsorship was not only appreciated but celebrated. That’s never a bad thing. And, in almost 100 percent of those situations, we are happy to renew our sponsorship – year after year.

So, to answer the questions on everyone’s minds who read my two previous entries about this festival: there was no sign of the Bobbsey Twins of the pottery world or any hired goons making my visit an unpleasant experience. But I did turn my head every time I heard the word Tom shouted a little louder than normal – as if someone was giving me a warning. And, no pottery was sacrificed in any scrambles of people trying to get away from me.

We filled out our ticket stubs for the raffle items and then moved on past the line for food (which looked great), but we had just finished dinner, but we found a dessert table – with lots of desserts. We visited that table several times that evening. We then checked out the items to be auctioned that evening – the collaborative pieces – most done by two different Seagrove potters – a few face jugs done by three different potters and a few done by husband and wife potter teams. Just looking at some of the works and seeing the names associated with them – I knew the bidding would be way over a lot of peoples’ heads – especially mine, plus I was out of the pottery purchasing game altogether this trip. My little joke of the night was that – I’d love to buy something, but I have a struggling arts newspaper instead. Ha Ha. That was the only miserable part of this trip. It was killing me.

We headed into the part of the building where the pottery booths were. Apparently that was a new feature this year. Last year the festival was held in one big space and this year there was a divided wall up separating the entry room where the auction would take place and the entertainment, food, drink, and information tables were set up. This new wall was important in that the band playing in one room didn’t add to the noise of the crowd around the pottery booths so you could talk and the people wanting to hear the music didn’t have to deal with crowd noise. Plus while the auction was taking place people could and were still shopping.

We made a quick tour around the big room divided into three pathways – stopping to talk (when we could – the place was packed) with potters from places we visited during the spring kiln openings earlier this year and fellow bloggers I now think of as friends – Bruce Gholson and Samantha Henneke of Bulldog Pottery (Samantha’s father – Ed Henneke was there too) and Meredith and Mark Heywood of Whynot Pottery. Some folks we never did get to talk to that night even after several passes – they were tied up with customers. To me sales always come first – whether I’m on the phone with someone or in their gallery or studio – if customers come in – everything is on hold until business is concluded. Business is business.

Blogger’s Note: My apologies to Meredith and Mark Heywood – I keep trying to make them Haywoods.

So, in-between trying to say hi to some folks we roamed around to wherever our eyes took us. At one point we were at David Stuempfle’s booth of Stuempfle Pottery admiring his very big pots and we met Nancy Gottovi who turned out to be the executive director of STARworks NC, located just off Hwy. 220 (the future I-74) in Star, NC. She answered some questions we had about Stuempfle’s work and wood-fired salt glazes and then we talked about STARworks and Central Park NC – but for now you’ll have to check the links and wait for a separate entry on that facility.

At Whynot Pottery’s booth we got an explanation of crystalline glazes and how that works. We were really fascinated by that glaze technique. And I asked about something I thought of on the ride up to Seagrove. I wondered what kind of objects children made in art class in a community like Seagrove – home to over 100 potteries. I had bet myself that the pottery sessions were better than the ones I had in school back in Michigan. Some of the children’s parents would be some of the area’s potters. These are kids who have been hanging around potteries most of their lives – of course they made more interesting objects out of clay than the rest of us and with programs organized by the NC Pottery Center and taught by area potters – why wouldn’t they be better? Of course many turned out like my creations did – we can’t all be gifted artists.


Here I am (before Thanksgiving, if you can believe it,) talking with Meredith Heywood trying to remember what my first creations in clay looked like.

At the booth for Johnston & Gentithes Art Pottery (Fred Johnston and Carol Gentithes) I picked up a flyer for the second Cousins In Clay event which will take place in Seagrove on June 5 & 6, 2010. This expanded version will include the Johnston & Gentithes Art Pottery as well as Bulldog Pottery. Michael Kline will be returning to Bulldog Pottery with Val Cushing and Allison McGowen will be a guest at Johnston & Gentithes Art Pottery. Put that on your calendars.

While we were looking around Will was beginning to think that Saturday – the first day of the Celebration of Seagrove Potters festival – he might have to do some early Christmas shopping. He was seeing lots of possibilities. Lucky stiff.

Just before 8pm we headed back into the first room to find a good spot to observe the auction. I thought – this is going to be interesting and I wasn’t let down.

As I said in one of my earlier entries about the festival – these items were one-of-a- kind works. You can’t get a piece where two different potters from different potteries worked on a special creation together – so there were some people there ready to spend some money to call those works theirs. And, some of the teams were made up of very high profile potters. The bottom line is that the Friday night auction took in $10,000 which would be used for programs in the Seagrove community and promotion of the event.

I can’t give you details of the entire auction – this would go on forever – just like some of the bidding did – back and forth between two competing bidders and just when you thought the bidding was over a third bidder would throw their hand up – starting the bidding back and forth again.

Here’s a few of the highlights. A vase by Bruce Gholson and Samantha Henneke (Bulldog Pottery) went for $600. A turtle created by Blaine Avery (Avery Pottery & Tileworks) and Carol Gentithes (Johnston & Gentithes Art Pottery) went for $550. Two small vases created by Donna Craven (Donna Craven Pottery) and Samantha Henneke (Bulldog Pottery) demanded a high bid of $725. A very small melon vase by Ben Owen III (Ben Owen Pottery) and Will McCanless (McCanless Pottery) went for $400. But the big winner of the auction was a work by Ben Owen III (Ben Owen Pottery) and Fred Johnston (Johnston & Gentithes Art Pottery) that took in $1650 before the bidding was over. All of these potters make pots that sell for more than these works took in, but it was really great of them to donate special works for this auction.


Here is Ben Owen III holding up a work at the auction he and Will McCanless created.

This event was very exciting to watch – some people got some real bargains and others paid perhaps beyond what I’m sure they wanted to, but they walked away with some items – all us spectators wished we were going home with. I know I was drooling over most of the works offered.

By the way, the idea of making collaborative works to auction off was the idea of Michael Mahan of From the Ground Up pottery. He wanted the Celebration to offer something special – something different from other pottery festivals. Perhaps this idea stemming from the positive energy he puts in his creations – soul pots, peace pots – with feelings of love and kindness. I’m not making fun – we all can use a lot more peace, love and kindness in today’s world.

I later learned on Saturday that the Gala Preview may have attracted a few hundred more people than the first year’s event and I’m sure more will be there next year as the word gets out. But for the record – final figures on attendance and money raised will come later – the figures offered here are just what I’ve heard so far, nothing concrete. I’m watching out for the cow pies. (A reference to earlier blog entries.)

Will and I had a good time – learned a lot about pottery and had some good conservations about all kinds of things. When we got back to Greensboro we watched a DVD of the new Star Trek movie – which was also very good – Saturday at the Celebration would be another day and another entry.

Bloggers Note: Of course the minute the Celebration of Seagrove Potters and the Seagrove Pottery Festival ended Sunday afternoon – these potters could take a long deserved rest – wrong! Many are scrambling to get ready for other shows, like the 40th Annual Carolina Designer Craftsmen’s Fine Craft + Design Show at the Exhibition Center at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, NC, Nov. 27 – 29, 2009, or kiln opening at their own potteries coming in December. This is a busy and critical time for these folks, so if you didn’t make it to either of these festivals – they sure would like you to come to Seagrove to do some holiday shopping. A handmade gift of pottery is better than anything you can find waiting in line in the dark early Friday morning after Thanksgiving.

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