Local Artist Provides Free Educational and Historical Experience at the North Carolina Pottery Center
Once again the North Carolina Pottery Center is opening its doors and grounds for the education and benefit of the public.
On Saturday July 18th, David Garner of Turn & Burn Pottery will be firing the groundhog kiln on the pottery center grounds. The firing of the groundhog kiln takes approximately 15 hours and uses 2 cords of wood. The groundhog kiln will be loaded with over 200 pieces of Webster reproduction pots which will be featured during the North Carolina Pottery Centers’ Artists’ Reception, Friday August 14th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The exhibit will feature Historical Pottery of Fayetteville, NC – Highlighting 19th Century Webster & E. A. Poe Pottery.
David, a well-known potter in the Seagrove community, and his wife Deborah were chosen to be featured in the upcoming exhibition of Webster and E.A. Poe because of their knowledge and expertise of Webster pottery. David and Deborah have been producing Webster reproduction pots since 1985.
The Webster brothers (Edward, Chester and Timothy) produced pottery at Robbins & Co. in Fayetteville, the first commercial Stoneware factory in NC. Their style of pottery was unique among the early examples of NC salt glazed with its charmingly incised etchings; including birds and fish with cobalt decorations -techniques brought from their Connecticut backgrounds in stoneware production at Goodwin & Webster in Hartford. This was the early 1800s when the majority of North Carolina potters were producing lower -fired redware pots. The brothers eventually moved to Randolph County, settling in the Coleridge area, with Edward soon moving on to South Carolina.
David became interested in the Webster School of folk pottery when he learned of the family connection to the Craven family. Chester Webster came to Randolph County and turned for Solomon Craven, the grandson of Peter Craven, and later for his son Bartlett Yancey (B.Y.) Craven. David’s grandmother Zedith Teague Garner was the daughter of Brian “Ducky” Dewey Teague and Bessie Lee Craven Teague (granddaughter of J.D. Craven).
David is one of the most humble and unassuming potters of the Seagrove area, but one who constantly and tirelessly promotes the area through education. Last year he was the recipient of two impressive awards. Each October, for the past 20 years, David and family represent themselves and Seagrove at the,"Village of Yesteryear" at the State Fair in Raleigh. Last year he was awarded, by nomination of 100 of his peers, to receive the “Craftsman of the Year” from the Village of Yesteryear. The Board of the North Carolina Art Education Association (NCAEA) chose to recognize and congratulate David last year as one of the “Art Stars”, exemplary art educators and advocates in their fields and commemorated his accomplishments during the NCAEA Professional Development Conference. David also serves his community as a member of the Seagrove City Council. He continually volunteers at schools throughout the area while providing prison ministry with his wife, Deborah, statewide.
Walking into David’s shop to view the many Webster reproduction pieces (runlets, jugs of all sizes, pitchers, jars and more) in various stages of development is a visual treat. David turns and Deborah carves. She uses no tracing; it is all done freehand and replicates the Webster school style with the hinge under the handle and many of the incised motifs, with the cobalt on wood fired salt glazed pots. Deborah’s favorite etchings are the birds and fish. Twenty years ago, when Turn & Burn was one of the few shops producing traditional shapes with salt glaze, a Webster collector walked in and suggested they try their hand at doing some reproductions. Some twenty years later they are still at it in addition to the many other styles they produce. There is just something really special about carrying on a technique that had such a significant historical impact on pottery making in the Seagrove community.
Please come out to the NCPC on Saturday, July 18th all day to meet the artists and see how the process was done over 200 years ago and continues today. Then come back Friday, August 14th from 5:30 to 7:30 for the Artist’s reception where the historical Webster and E.A. Poe pots will be on display and the pots that were fired on the 18th will be available for purchase. Both events are free and open to the public.
Opened in 1998 in Seagrove, the NCPC mission is to promote public awareness of North Carolina’s remarkable pottery heritage. The Center welcomes and informs visitors to the Seagrove area, enriching their experience through exhibitions and educational programs, while promoting potters working across the state. The NCPC is a private nonprofit entity, funded primarily through memberships, grants, admissions, and appropriations.
OPEN: Tuesdays – Saturdays 10:00 am to 4:00, ADMISSION (excluding free special events): $2 - adults, $1 - students 9th through 12th grades, Free - children through 8th grade, free - NCPC members. Handicap accessible. Groups and tours welcomed. For further information and details call 336- 873-8430, email: ncpc@atomic.net or visit www.NCPotteryCenter.com.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Local Artist Provides Free Educational and Historical Experience at the North Carolina Pottery Center
Friday, July 10, 2009
Sunset Mountain Pottery Ad from 1929
by Jay Henderson
A collector friend from North Carolina, Peg Wiebe, sent me this reproduction of an advertisement for Sunset Mountain Pottery which was published in July 1929. (To access a full-size copy of the ad, click on the image below)
Sunset Mountain Pottery was made by J. B. Cole's Pottery and sold by a business named The Treasure Chest in Asheville, NC. The dates generally given for this arrangement are 1929-1935, so this ad is very likely the first for Sunset Mountain Pottery.
Above: J. B. Cole's Pottery vase with "Sunset Mountain Pottery" stamp (inset). Click on the image for a larger view.
Copyright © 2009 by Jay Henderson.
A collector friend from North Carolina, Peg Wiebe, sent me this reproduction of an advertisement for Sunset Mountain Pottery which was published in July 1929. (To access a full-size copy of the ad, click on the image below)
Sunset Mountain Pottery was made by J. B. Cole's Pottery and sold by a business named The Treasure Chest in Asheville, NC. The dates generally given for this arrangement are 1929-1935, so this ad is very likely the first for Sunset Mountain Pottery.
This is how the advertisement describes the wares:
The gorgeous autumnal colorings of this quaint hand-turned pottery from the “Hill Country” of Carolina makes it readily adaptable to home decoration. The cool dark green or the warm sunset tones blend charmingly with late summer and early autumn flowers. Several of the pieces shown will also make delightful lamp bases.
All shapes are available in two colors – orange reds with darker markings, and dark green with darker markings. Please specify color when ordering.
Above: J. B. Cole's Pottery vase with "Sunset Mountain Pottery" stamp (inset). Click on the image for a larger view.
The Treasure Chest and another mountain crafts business, Log Cabin, were combined and incorporated in 1932 as Three Mountaineers, Inc. The business eventually came to focus on wooden furniture and other wooden articles. The Sunset Mountain Pottery line was discontinued in 1935.
This article was published originally in Backcountry Notes.Copyright © 2009 by Jay Henderson.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
The Living Tradition - North Carolina Potters Speak
The book signing and sale of gently used pots turned out to be a great success for the NCPC.
There was a crowd there early to get their choice of the older used pots.
Pots sold through out the day and by the end of the day the tables were sparse.
With just a few pots left which will be added to the NCPC's gift shop.
The book signing for, "The Living Tradition" drew yet another crowd.
Folks lined up in order to have their books signed by featured potters and contributors .
Vernon and Pam Owen
Hal and Eleanor Pugh
Mark Hewitt
Tom Suomalain
Terry Zug
Michelle Francis
Caroleen Sanders
Jen Berline
There are books available through the NCPC Gift shop.
Call or stop in to pick one up.
Phone: (336) 873-8430
Email: ncpc@atomic.net
233 East Avenue, Seagrove, NC 27341
http://ncpotterycenter.com/
If you would like to make a donation:
Go to the home page for information.
Donate today!
There was a crowd there early to get their choice of the older used pots.
Pots sold through out the day and by the end of the day the tables were sparse.
With just a few pots left which will be added to the NCPC's gift shop.
The book signing for, "The Living Tradition" drew yet another crowd.
Folks lined up in order to have their books signed by featured potters and contributors .
Vernon and Pam Owen
Hal and Eleanor Pugh
Mark Hewitt
Tom Suomalain
Terry Zug
Michelle Francis
Caroleen Sanders
Jen Berline
There are books available through the NCPC Gift shop.
Call or stop in to pick one up.
Phone: (336) 873-8430
Email: ncpc@atomic.net
233 East Avenue, Seagrove, NC 27341
http://ncpotterycenter.com/
If you would like to make a donation:
Go to the home page for information.
Donate today!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Exceptional Sale of Historic, Gently Worn Pots & Book Signing
North Carolina Pottery Center
Exceptional Sale of Historic, Gently Worn Pots & Book Signing
The North Carolina Pottery Center has planned an exciting, educational and free day for the public on Saturday, June 20th from 10-4.
Visitors from near and far, young and old are invited to spend the day at the Center to be entertained and educated about the history, heritage and ongoing tradition of pottery making in North Carolina, one of the state’s most well-loved and treasured art forms.
The “Pots from the Attic” Fundraiser runs all day and features a collection of over 200 highly unique pieces. Shapes and sizes vary from crocks to candle holders to sugar bowls and Rebecca pitchers as well as marked souvenir pots from the past tourist trade. A majority of pots were donated from the collection of Dr. Everette James. NCPC board member, Pam Owens from Jugtown commented, "I know I speak for the whole NCPC Board in expressing our gratitude to Everette James for the donation of his historic, and well known pottery collection from the Saint James Place Museum in Roberson, NC. There are many wonderful study pieces in the "Pots from the Attic" Fundraiser. We look forward to a full and interesting day of events on June 20."
Mark Hewitt, accomplished Pittsboro potter and VP of the NCPC describes the collection like this. “In many ways pots are like people, we give them human associations by describing their feet, bellies, necks, and lips. Pots, like people, are also fragile. Over the course of a lifetime, we all get chipped and banged about, but carry on, somehow tougher for our experiences. Likewise the pots in this sale have been slightly damaged, but they still retain their core beauty, somehow made more real by their flaws. The pots in the sale have been well-loved. There are examples of all types of North Carolina pottery, from utilitarian to art ware, small pieces and large. The sale includes many hidden treasures, rare stamps, and familiar gems.” The range of pots includes those from Cole Pottery in Sanford, Jugtown, Ben Owen-Master Potter and North State among many others. This is a great opportunity to begin or add to an existing collection in a very affordable way. All pots are priced to sell.
In tandem, a reception and book signing of The Living Tradition: North Carolina Potters Speak takes place from 2-4. The recently released book includes intimate interviews with 23 of North Carolina’s most distinguished potters. With illuminating interviews conducted by Michelle Francis and Charles “Terry” Zug III, resplendent photography by Rob Amberg, editing by Denny Hubbard Mecham, and publishing by Goosepen Studio & Press, this is the culmination of a documentary project by the North Carolina Pottery Center to promote and preserve North Carolina’s unique pottery making history. The funding for this distinctive project was made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museums and Library Sciences, a national organization. Featured artists from the book attending the reception include; Ben Owen III, Pam and Vernon Owens, Hal and Eleanor Pugh, Caroleen Sanders, Mark Hewitt and interviewer Terry Zug. Refreshments will be served. All proceeds from The Living Tradition and the “Pots from the Attic” Fundraiser directly benefit the North Carolina Pottery Center. Sample pages can be viewed at www.NCPotteryCenter.com.
A full day can easily be spent at the Center with individuals and families free this Saturday to take in the significance of the permanent historical section, beginning with the Native American pottery exhibit and artifacts, through the tools and functional pots of the agricultural era, to the movement toward art pottery and to the more contemporary pots of today. Two large display cases hold samples of approximately 85% of the local Seagrove community potters. The Center rotates exhibits every 3 to 4 months and the current exhibit features works by Dan Finch and the Dan Finch Studio Potters. Visitors are welcome to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the outdoor tables underneath the grove of 100-year-old oak trees, and wander the charming rural grounds. Here one can explore the outside groundhog kiln and double chambered wood–firing kiln designed and built by potters Ruggles and Rankin (also featured in The Living Traditions book) during a teaching event.
Day-long demonstrations are held on Saturdays in the Center’s Educational Building by local potter Chad Brown. Chad is a 5th generation potter; his great-great grandfather was William Henry Chriscoe, a portion of whose original log cabin pottery studio now resides in the Smithsonian Museum. Chad is an up-and-coming potter to watch on the Seagrove scene, having worked as a journeyman potter for numerous studios and assisting many local potters with their wood firings. His decision to pursue his own pottery full-time this year was rewarded last month when he received the “The Award of Excellence” at The Arts in the Park show in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Sid Luck of Luck’s Ware, coordinator of the 2008-09 TAPS (Traditional Arts Program for Students) said, “I was most fortunate to have Chad as an assistant in the TAPS program this year. He is an excellent potter, has a great rapport with students and is very dependable.” TAPS is an afterschool collaboration between the NC Arts Council, the NC Pottery Center, and Seagrove Elementary School. Its purpose is to provide public school students with the knowledge and practices of the Seagrove traditional pottery culture. Mark Hewitt remarked, "Chad Brown has quietly established his presence as one of the most talented younger potters in Seagrove. We all enjoy Chad's humor and good nature, and know how much he contributes to the NCPC with his patient, insightful demonstrations and his warm, generous personality. His beautiful pots reflect who he is."
Opened in 1998 in Seagrove, the NCPC mission is to promote public awareness of North Carolina’s remarkable pottery heritage. The Center welcomes and informs visitors to the Seagrove area, enriching their experience through exhibitions and educational programs, and promoting potters working today across the state. The NCPC is a private nonprofit entity, funded primarily through memberships, grants, admissions, and appropriations. OPEN: Tuesdays – Saturdays 10:00 am to 4:00, ADMISSION (excluding free special events): $2 - adults, $1 - students 9th through 12th grades, Free - children through 8th grade, free - NCPC members. Handicap accessible. Groups and tours welcomed. For further information and details call 336- 873-8430, email
Exceptional Sale of Historic, Gently Worn Pots & Book Signing
The North Carolina Pottery Center has planned an exciting, educational and free day for the public on Saturday, June 20th from 10-4.
Visitors from near and far, young and old are invited to spend the day at the Center to be entertained and educated about the history, heritage and ongoing tradition of pottery making in North Carolina, one of the state’s most well-loved and treasured art forms.
The “Pots from the Attic” Fundraiser runs all day and features a collection of over 200 highly unique pieces. Shapes and sizes vary from crocks to candle holders to sugar bowls and Rebecca pitchers as well as marked souvenir pots from the past tourist trade. A majority of pots were donated from the collection of Dr. Everette James. NCPC board member, Pam Owens from Jugtown commented, "I know I speak for the whole NCPC Board in expressing our gratitude to Everette James for the donation of his historic, and well known pottery collection from the Saint James Place Museum in Roberson, NC. There are many wonderful study pieces in the "Pots from the Attic" Fundraiser. We look forward to a full and interesting day of events on June 20."
Mark Hewitt, accomplished Pittsboro potter and VP of the NCPC describes the collection like this. “In many ways pots are like people, we give them human associations by describing their feet, bellies, necks, and lips. Pots, like people, are also fragile. Over the course of a lifetime, we all get chipped and banged about, but carry on, somehow tougher for our experiences. Likewise the pots in this sale have been slightly damaged, but they still retain their core beauty, somehow made more real by their flaws. The pots in the sale have been well-loved. There are examples of all types of North Carolina pottery, from utilitarian to art ware, small pieces and large. The sale includes many hidden treasures, rare stamps, and familiar gems.” The range of pots includes those from Cole Pottery in Sanford, Jugtown, Ben Owen-Master Potter and North State among many others. This is a great opportunity to begin or add to an existing collection in a very affordable way. All pots are priced to sell.
In tandem, a reception and book signing of The Living Tradition: North Carolina Potters Speak takes place from 2-4. The recently released book includes intimate interviews with 23 of North Carolina’s most distinguished potters. With illuminating interviews conducted by Michelle Francis and Charles “Terry” Zug III, resplendent photography by Rob Amberg, editing by Denny Hubbard Mecham, and publishing by Goosepen Studio & Press, this is the culmination of a documentary project by the North Carolina Pottery Center to promote and preserve North Carolina’s unique pottery making history. The funding for this distinctive project was made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museums and Library Sciences, a national organization. Featured artists from the book attending the reception include; Ben Owen III, Pam and Vernon Owens, Hal and Eleanor Pugh, Caroleen Sanders, Mark Hewitt and interviewer Terry Zug. Refreshments will be served. All proceeds from The Living Tradition and the “Pots from the Attic” Fundraiser directly benefit the North Carolina Pottery Center. Sample pages can be viewed at www.NCPotteryCenter.com.
A full day can easily be spent at the Center with individuals and families free this Saturday to take in the significance of the permanent historical section, beginning with the Native American pottery exhibit and artifacts, through the tools and functional pots of the agricultural era, to the movement toward art pottery and to the more contemporary pots of today. Two large display cases hold samples of approximately 85% of the local Seagrove community potters. The Center rotates exhibits every 3 to 4 months and the current exhibit features works by Dan Finch and the Dan Finch Studio Potters. Visitors are welcome to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the outdoor tables underneath the grove of 100-year-old oak trees, and wander the charming rural grounds. Here one can explore the outside groundhog kiln and double chambered wood–firing kiln designed and built by potters Ruggles and Rankin (also featured in The Living Traditions book) during a teaching event.
Day-long demonstrations are held on Saturdays in the Center’s Educational Building by local potter Chad Brown. Chad is a 5th generation potter; his great-great grandfather was William Henry Chriscoe, a portion of whose original log cabin pottery studio now resides in the Smithsonian Museum. Chad is an up-and-coming potter to watch on the Seagrove scene, having worked as a journeyman potter for numerous studios and assisting many local potters with their wood firings. His decision to pursue his own pottery full-time this year was rewarded last month when he received the “The Award of Excellence” at The Arts in the Park show in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Sid Luck of Luck’s Ware, coordinator of the 2008-09 TAPS (Traditional Arts Program for Students) said, “I was most fortunate to have Chad as an assistant in the TAPS program this year. He is an excellent potter, has a great rapport with students and is very dependable.” TAPS is an afterschool collaboration between the NC Arts Council, the NC Pottery Center, and Seagrove Elementary School. Its purpose is to provide public school students with the knowledge and practices of the Seagrove traditional pottery culture. Mark Hewitt remarked, "Chad Brown has quietly established his presence as one of the most talented younger potters in Seagrove. We all enjoy Chad's humor and good nature, and know how much he contributes to the NCPC with his patient, insightful demonstrations and his warm, generous personality. His beautiful pots reflect who he is."
Opened in 1998 in Seagrove, the NCPC mission is to promote public awareness of North Carolina’s remarkable pottery heritage. The Center welcomes and informs visitors to the Seagrove area, enriching their experience through exhibitions and educational programs, and promoting potters working today across the state. The NCPC is a private nonprofit entity, funded primarily through memberships, grants, admissions, and appropriations. OPEN: Tuesdays – Saturdays 10:00 am to 4:00, ADMISSION (excluding free special events): $2 - adults, $1 - students 9th through 12th grades, Free - children through 8th grade, free - NCPC members. Handicap accessible. Groups and tours welcomed. For further information and details call 336- 873-8430, email
Monday, June 1, 2009
Cousins in Clay
Cousins in Clay:
Seagrove Potters Bruce Gholson and Samantha Henneke have invited NC Potter Michael Kline to join them for a combined Pottery Opening at Bulldog Pottery.
Kline a “clay cousin” from Bakersville, is known for his floral brush imagery that gracefully wraps around his pottery forms. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet the artists and add to your pottery collection or begin one.
June 6 and 7, 2009
Saturday 9:00 - 5:00
Sunday 10:00 - 4:00
www.michaelklinepottery.blogspot.com
www.bulldogpottery.blogspot.com
www.cousinsinclay.com
Seagrove Potters Bruce Gholson and Samantha Henneke have invited NC Potter Michael Kline to join them for a combined Pottery Opening at Bulldog Pottery.
Kline a “clay cousin” from Bakersville, is known for his floral brush imagery that gracefully wraps around his pottery forms. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet the artists and add to your pottery collection or begin one.
June 6 and 7, 2009
Saturday 9:00 - 5:00
Sunday 10:00 - 4:00
www.michaelklinepottery.blogspot.com
www.bulldogpottery.blogspot.com
www.cousinsinclay.com
Friday, May 29, 2009
THE LIVING TRADITION
THE LIVING TRADITION
North Carolina Potters Speak
Interviews by Michelle Francis & Charles “Terry” Zug III
Photographs by Rob Amberg
Edited by Denny Hubbard Mecham
Published for the North Carolina Pottery Center by Goosepen Press
and available at the NC Pottery Center
Twenty interviews with some of North Carolina’s most distinguished potters intimately reveal the “aspirations and attitudes” of clay-working in a contemporary, diverse tradition. From the “fast nickel” or the “slow dime” and the practicalities of pricing and selling, to technical discussions of kiln building, clay processing, throwing, glazing, and firing, to the spirituality of the creative process and the medium of clay as a “reflection of life,” potters from across the state vivify the struggle and reward of their lives and work to interviewers Michelle Francis and Charles “Terry” Zug III.
Luminous photographs by Rob Amberg complement the artists ’ own words – revelatory of character and ripe with anecdote – in this culmination of a documentary project by the North Carolina Pottery Center to promote and protect North Carolina’s unique pottery-making history.
29.95
Monday, April 20, 2009
A Glorious Spring Day in Seagrove, NC- Tom Starland
It was April 18, 2009, and by 6am, Linda and I were in the car headed for Seagrove, NC, for the first day of the Celebration of Spring in Seagrove where over 40 potteries in the area would be greeting visitors who would be coming to see new works - many fresh from the potter’s kilns. Estimated arrival time was 10am where we would meet up with our friend and part time technical advisor, Will Ravenel, at the parking lot of the NC Pottery Center in Seagrove.
I felt it was only fair to get Will to join us from Greensboro, NC, since some folks think people in Greensboro would have a hard time finding their way to Seagrove to find great pottery. And, as I expected, he had no trouble and actually beat us there - just before 10am.
I’m having a little fun with the folks who thought they had to take Seagrove pottery to Greensboro for some reason. As I’ve said before, if you want to see Seagrove pottery - go to Seagrove.
At 6am, getting into the car it was cool and it stayed cool until the sun was up long enough to do its thing. By the time we arrived at the Pottery Center’s parking lot - we could tell it was going to be a wonderful spring day. And, it was.
Our first stop was at Johnston & Gentithes Art Pottery. I knew we were in trouble right away. They had complimentary hand-crafted oatmeal cookies and outstanding pottery. I fell in love with Fred Johnston’s pots right off and we loved Carol Gentithes’ animal sculptures - especially the dog eating the tax return. “I’m sorry Uncle Sam - my dog ate my return.” The problem was - this was our first stop and I was already hot to buy.
We hadn’t really intended to buy on this trip. I just wanted to meet some of the blogging potters who I’ve been following since last year when I first learned that the NC Pottery Center was in financial trouble. A movement had formed to save the Center and bloggers had a big part in helping. The Center was saved and I’ve been learning a lot about potters and their processes - things I would have never known without those blogs. And, part of this event was another fundraiser for the Center. Many of these same Seagrove potters and others from around NC and the region had donated works for silent and live auctions taking place this same day entitled, Many Faces for the Center, held at the Pottery Center - our final destination for the day.
So here we were at our first stop and itching to spend money we really didn’t have to spend. We knew we were going to buy something this day - we always do. We love pottery. But we displayed strong self-control. And, besides - these potteries would not be going anywhere. Well, that was the plan anyway.
Next stop, Whynot Pottery, to meet Mark and Meredith Heywood. Meredith and I had become e-mail buddies during the Save the Pottery Center campaign. We arrived and walked into the gallery and Will sees a vase against the wall and the next thing we know he’s buying it. And, Linda discovers jewelry. All bets are off and the shopping begins. But we’re being conservative and selecting pieces with low price tags, but good pieces. It’s soon like the British on a visit to Willy Wonka’s. Well, not really, but it was amazing to see how self-control was soon out the window.
While there, Meredith gave us a tour of the studio which had burned last year. I’ve been watching the progress of the studio’s recovery through her blog. They have a great location there and we all agreed that if we lived there we wouldn’t get any work done at all.
We next found ourselves at Ben Owen Pottery where we got a look at Ben Owen III’s exceptional works. My eyes quickly scanned the gallery to see a red pot, but no glowing red pots. But they did have examples in the Museum part of the shop. The red is spectacular, but so is a lot of his work and before we left I was holding a small blue piece with small hints of red in it. Come Monday morning I might have to see if I could get some of our neighbors to pay me to rake leaves or cut grass. This was not how the day was supposed to go. Look, touch, enjoy, but don’t…
How stupid was it to make our next stop Jugtown Pottery? The pottery compound was an amazing sight as was the pottery inside and before you knew it we had acquired pieces, one by Vernon Owens and one by Pan Owens. Our heads were spinning, so we headed to the Westmoore Family Restaurant for lunch. It had been a long time since that Egg McMuffin in Manning, SC, at 7am. And I think my usually good self-control was being affected by my lack of food.
After lunch we drove to From The Ground Up Pottery to see Michael Mahan’s work, another blogger. We wanted to see the “soul pots” to get some of those good vibes of positive energies of love and kindness. It might be good for building up our self-control. As we drive up Linda and I see wind chimes - at least a kind of upside down clay bowl with a wooden ringer, both hung from ropes. They made a really nice sound.
The problem here was - I got talking with Michael Mahan and didn’t really get to look around too much and before I knew it - Linda and Will were giving me that look of - miles to go and time is running out. But I’m sure I only dodged the buying bullet - for now. After all - I’m in Seagrove once a month - very early, but nothing says I can’t wait around until potteries open.
Next stop, Dean and Martin Pottery. I know - some name right? Now, you have to think that with so many potteries in Seagrove that you are going to walk in one and not see anything that speaks to you, but it wasn’t happening at this pottery. Both Jeffrey Dean and Stephanie Martin had works that were speaking to both Linda and I. You know what happened - need I say more?
We did find one or two of those potteries where we did the quick walk through and out the door. I won’t mention them, as I’ve learned in my years in covering the arts - all art appeals to someone - all art does not have to appeal to me. I make no judgements. So in order to prevent someone from trying to figure out where we were, I’m skipping several stops and jumping to our final pottery stop. You have to watch every word you say - some people try to make the most out of nothing sometimes.
Samantha Henneke is another one of the Seagrove blogging potters. Her blog is on my daily check list. She and Bruce Gholson own Bulldog Pottery. As soon as we all enter their showroom - bingo we are going nuts again. Our eyes are just bouncing from one pot to the next and wall pieces that looked like batik. I point to a spot on one wall and tell Will - “I really like that one”. He doesn’t even see what I’m pointing at - I can’t get his full attention. Finally I break through and he sees I’m pointing to an issue of Carolina Arts on the wall.
Turns out both artists have been followers of the paper for some time - way back to 1997 when we first went into North Carolina. They used to pick it up at the Green Hill Center for NC Art in Greensboro. We don’t go to Greensboro anymore, which is too bad, but we never could find any regular support for the paper there and that kind of matches up with things - I mean if the people there can’t figure out that you go to Seagrove for Seagrove pottery - how could they ever figure out that in order to keep us in Greensboro - they would have to support us.
Anyway - we all got some very nice pottery at Bulldog Pottery, and when we went to put the bags in our car’s trunk - the trunk was full of bags. What had happened to our plan - where was the self-control?
Next stop - back to the NC Pottery Center for the auctions. It was 3pm and Linda and I were beginning to feel our day. As we walked in we were just in time for the end of the first silent auction - but nothing was silent here. The place was abuzz with chatter and excitement. Some folks were just about to become the winning bidders of donated pottery and round two was about to begin. We moved through the crowd as best we could to see what was being offered. The theme was, Many Faces for the Center, and it was interesting to see how the various artists had taken on that theme.
Will asked if I was going to be bidding. I reminded him of the trunk of the car and gave him one of those looks - like - haven’t I gotten in enough trouble already? Besides I’m more the kind of guy who likes the “Buy Now” option on eBay. I’ve learned what can sometimes happen in the heat of an auction - even silent auctions. I like the satisfaction of walking up to something and saying - you are mine now. During an auction if I like something and someone else outbids my wallet, which isn’t hard to do - I’ll just feel bad.
Wait a minute, I have to adjust that statement - it sounds a little too manly. What I should have said is - I like to fall for something and then ask Linda - may I have it?
Before long, the crowd is beginning to wear on us and we decide since we are not making bids - perhaps our day has come to an end. We say our good-byes, after we sort out the purchases in our car’s trunk and part to return home in different directions. Will pointed out that since Greensboro is less than an hour away (Did you hear that folks in Greensboro - you’re less than an hour away from Seagrove.) that he will have finished a nap before we get home. Thanks again for that thought, Will.
By 8pm we had arrived home - just another 14 hour adventure in the Carolina Arts history books. Although it was a long day - we had a great time.
Then began the unwrapping of the purchases made earlier that day - the rediscovery of what we had fallen for. In the bag from Bulldog Pottery we found a notice for a show, Cousins in Clay, scheduled for June 6 & 7, 2009, at Bulldog which would be featuring works by Bruce Gholson, Samantha Henneke, and Michael Kline - another blogging potter from Bakersville, NC, whom I’ve also been following through his blog. Here’s a case where Bakersville comes to Seagrove. You can find many of these blogs I mentioned in our links on the side of this page.
Some Points To Remember
First off, going to Seagrove is like going to an art walk in downtown Charleston, SC. There is no way you are going to see it all in one visit. Both places are steeped in history and tradition, but you will always discover something new every time you visit. So for those potteries who might feel left out - no worries mates - we’ll be back. Linda and I have been collecting pottery for almost 30 years - we’re not finished yet.
Secondly, on this day our purchases ranged from $5 to a high of $45. My want list ran as high as $450 and up, but they will have to wait for better days. So even in tough economic times - you can go and fill your eyes with wonder and not drain the family coffers - that is if you have better self-control than some. Will is coming our way in a few weeks and he was already planning a return trip to Seagrove with Mother’s Day in mind. There are going to be some lucky mothers on that day.
Thirdly, for the AARP generation, which you enter at age 50 even if you’re not a member - a visit to Seagrove’s potteries was easy to take. You can drive right up to most of the pottery shops, we took advantage of three - count them, three good rest rooms - one at the Pottery Center, several at the Westmoore Family Restaurant, and there is a rest area on Hwy. 705 - the pottery highway. That’s important. Also stop at the Pottery Center first - they have good maps on how to find the potteries.
Fourthly, even if all you do is look, Seagrove’s rolling hills and country roads are a wonderful backdrop to the potteries, which are interesting in themselves. And although Seagrove when looked at on a map seems like it’s in the middle of nowhere, it is centrally located near many of North Carolina’s populated areas - even Greensboro, and not that far from many places in South Carolina. If Linda hadn’t been on call for her 911 job on Sunday, we probably would have stayed with Will in Greensboro and gone back to more potteries on Sunday. They also have hotels in the area for those without friends in the area.
And my fifth point is, we have been involved with the Seagrove area and its potters since last July, but we know there are great potters located all over the Carolinas. In fact, our last pottery purchase was made almost a year and a half ago up in Asheville, NC, during one of the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s Fairs. We purchased a piece of pottery from Courtney Erin Martin from Bakersville, NC. Before that we purchased works at one of the annual Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Crafts Fair in Charleston, SC - probably from a Carolina potter. Our collection is focused on works by Carolina artists. And, before that we’ve gotten works at Southern Pottery Workcenter & Gallery in Columbia, SC. Peter Lenzo does some outstanding work and also carries great works from other Carolina potters. In other words - we get around and we shop around.
But, if it seems like we have been focused on Seagrove - we have. They need the attention. They deserve the attention - at least the good kind. And, I hope you (the readers) are giving it to them through this blog.
The next big event in Seagrove will be the 2nd annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters, taking place on Nov. 20-22, 2009. Actually two pottery festivals will be taking place that weekend in Seagrove. I recommend you go see both, but you don’t have to wait for a big event to go visit potteries in Seagrove. In fact, I bet they would like it if you just went there any old time. Buy all the pottery you want - they’ll make more.
I felt it was only fair to get Will to join us from Greensboro, NC, since some folks think people in Greensboro would have a hard time finding their way to Seagrove to find great pottery. And, as I expected, he had no trouble and actually beat us there - just before 10am.
I’m having a little fun with the folks who thought they had to take Seagrove pottery to Greensboro for some reason. As I’ve said before, if you want to see Seagrove pottery - go to Seagrove.
At 6am, getting into the car it was cool and it stayed cool until the sun was up long enough to do its thing. By the time we arrived at the Pottery Center’s parking lot - we could tell it was going to be a wonderful spring day. And, it was.
Our first stop was at Johnston & Gentithes Art Pottery. I knew we were in trouble right away. They had complimentary hand-crafted oatmeal cookies and outstanding pottery. I fell in love with Fred Johnston’s pots right off and we loved Carol Gentithes’ animal sculptures - especially the dog eating the tax return. “I’m sorry Uncle Sam - my dog ate my return.” The problem was - this was our first stop and I was already hot to buy.
We hadn’t really intended to buy on this trip. I just wanted to meet some of the blogging potters who I’ve been following since last year when I first learned that the NC Pottery Center was in financial trouble. A movement had formed to save the Center and bloggers had a big part in helping. The Center was saved and I’ve been learning a lot about potters and their processes - things I would have never known without those blogs. And, part of this event was another fundraiser for the Center. Many of these same Seagrove potters and others from around NC and the region had donated works for silent and live auctions taking place this same day entitled, Many Faces for the Center, held at the Pottery Center - our final destination for the day.
So here we were at our first stop and itching to spend money we really didn’t have to spend. We knew we were going to buy something this day - we always do. We love pottery. But we displayed strong self-control. And, besides - these potteries would not be going anywhere. Well, that was the plan anyway.
Next stop, Whynot Pottery, to meet Mark and Meredith Heywood. Meredith and I had become e-mail buddies during the Save the Pottery Center campaign. We arrived and walked into the gallery and Will sees a vase against the wall and the next thing we know he’s buying it. And, Linda discovers jewelry. All bets are off and the shopping begins. But we’re being conservative and selecting pieces with low price tags, but good pieces. It’s soon like the British on a visit to Willy Wonka’s. Well, not really, but it was amazing to see how self-control was soon out the window.
While there, Meredith gave us a tour of the studio which had burned last year. I’ve been watching the progress of the studio’s recovery through her blog. They have a great location there and we all agreed that if we lived there we wouldn’t get any work done at all.
We next found ourselves at Ben Owen Pottery where we got a look at Ben Owen III’s exceptional works. My eyes quickly scanned the gallery to see a red pot, but no glowing red pots. But they did have examples in the Museum part of the shop. The red is spectacular, but so is a lot of his work and before we left I was holding a small blue piece with small hints of red in it. Come Monday morning I might have to see if I could get some of our neighbors to pay me to rake leaves or cut grass. This was not how the day was supposed to go. Look, touch, enjoy, but don’t…
How stupid was it to make our next stop Jugtown Pottery? The pottery compound was an amazing sight as was the pottery inside and before you knew it we had acquired pieces, one by Vernon Owens and one by Pan Owens. Our heads were spinning, so we headed to the Westmoore Family Restaurant for lunch. It had been a long time since that Egg McMuffin in Manning, SC, at 7am. And I think my usually good self-control was being affected by my lack of food.
After lunch we drove to From The Ground Up Pottery to see Michael Mahan’s work, another blogger. We wanted to see the “soul pots” to get some of those good vibes of positive energies of love and kindness. It might be good for building up our self-control. As we drive up Linda and I see wind chimes - at least a kind of upside down clay bowl with a wooden ringer, both hung from ropes. They made a really nice sound.
The problem here was - I got talking with Michael Mahan and didn’t really get to look around too much and before I knew it - Linda and Will were giving me that look of - miles to go and time is running out. But I’m sure I only dodged the buying bullet - for now. After all - I’m in Seagrove once a month - very early, but nothing says I can’t wait around until potteries open.
Next stop, Dean and Martin Pottery. I know - some name right? Now, you have to think that with so many potteries in Seagrove that you are going to walk in one and not see anything that speaks to you, but it wasn’t happening at this pottery. Both Jeffrey Dean and Stephanie Martin had works that were speaking to both Linda and I. You know what happened - need I say more?
We did find one or two of those potteries where we did the quick walk through and out the door. I won’t mention them, as I’ve learned in my years in covering the arts - all art appeals to someone - all art does not have to appeal to me. I make no judgements. So in order to prevent someone from trying to figure out where we were, I’m skipping several stops and jumping to our final pottery stop. You have to watch every word you say - some people try to make the most out of nothing sometimes.
Samantha Henneke is another one of the Seagrove blogging potters. Her blog is on my daily check list. She and Bruce Gholson own Bulldog Pottery. As soon as we all enter their showroom - bingo we are going nuts again. Our eyes are just bouncing from one pot to the next and wall pieces that looked like batik. I point to a spot on one wall and tell Will - “I really like that one”. He doesn’t even see what I’m pointing at - I can’t get his full attention. Finally I break through and he sees I’m pointing to an issue of Carolina Arts on the wall.
Turns out both artists have been followers of the paper for some time - way back to 1997 when we first went into North Carolina. They used to pick it up at the Green Hill Center for NC Art in Greensboro. We don’t go to Greensboro anymore, which is too bad, but we never could find any regular support for the paper there and that kind of matches up with things - I mean if the people there can’t figure out that you go to Seagrove for Seagrove pottery - how could they ever figure out that in order to keep us in Greensboro - they would have to support us.
Anyway - we all got some very nice pottery at Bulldog Pottery, and when we went to put the bags in our car’s trunk - the trunk was full of bags. What had happened to our plan - where was the self-control?
Next stop - back to the NC Pottery Center for the auctions. It was 3pm and Linda and I were beginning to feel our day. As we walked in we were just in time for the end of the first silent auction - but nothing was silent here. The place was abuzz with chatter and excitement. Some folks were just about to become the winning bidders of donated pottery and round two was about to begin. We moved through the crowd as best we could to see what was being offered. The theme was, Many Faces for the Center, and it was interesting to see how the various artists had taken on that theme.
Will asked if I was going to be bidding. I reminded him of the trunk of the car and gave him one of those looks - like - haven’t I gotten in enough trouble already? Besides I’m more the kind of guy who likes the “Buy Now” option on eBay. I’ve learned what can sometimes happen in the heat of an auction - even silent auctions. I like the satisfaction of walking up to something and saying - you are mine now. During an auction if I like something and someone else outbids my wallet, which isn’t hard to do - I’ll just feel bad.
Wait a minute, I have to adjust that statement - it sounds a little too manly. What I should have said is - I like to fall for something and then ask Linda - may I have it?
Before long, the crowd is beginning to wear on us and we decide since we are not making bids - perhaps our day has come to an end. We say our good-byes, after we sort out the purchases in our car’s trunk and part to return home in different directions. Will pointed out that since Greensboro is less than an hour away (Did you hear that folks in Greensboro - you’re less than an hour away from Seagrove.) that he will have finished a nap before we get home. Thanks again for that thought, Will.
By 8pm we had arrived home - just another 14 hour adventure in the Carolina Arts history books. Although it was a long day - we had a great time.
Then began the unwrapping of the purchases made earlier that day - the rediscovery of what we had fallen for. In the bag from Bulldog Pottery we found a notice for a show, Cousins in Clay, scheduled for June 6 & 7, 2009, at Bulldog which would be featuring works by Bruce Gholson, Samantha Henneke, and Michael Kline - another blogging potter from Bakersville, NC, whom I’ve also been following through his blog. Here’s a case where Bakersville comes to Seagrove. You can find many of these blogs I mentioned in our links on the side of this page.
Some Points To Remember
First off, going to Seagrove is like going to an art walk in downtown Charleston, SC. There is no way you are going to see it all in one visit. Both places are steeped in history and tradition, but you will always discover something new every time you visit. So for those potteries who might feel left out - no worries mates - we’ll be back. Linda and I have been collecting pottery for almost 30 years - we’re not finished yet.
Secondly, on this day our purchases ranged from $5 to a high of $45. My want list ran as high as $450 and up, but they will have to wait for better days. So even in tough economic times - you can go and fill your eyes with wonder and not drain the family coffers - that is if you have better self-control than some. Will is coming our way in a few weeks and he was already planning a return trip to Seagrove with Mother’s Day in mind. There are going to be some lucky mothers on that day.
Thirdly, for the AARP generation, which you enter at age 50 even if you’re not a member - a visit to Seagrove’s potteries was easy to take. You can drive right up to most of the pottery shops, we took advantage of three - count them, three good rest rooms - one at the Pottery Center, several at the Westmoore Family Restaurant, and there is a rest area on Hwy. 705 - the pottery highway. That’s important. Also stop at the Pottery Center first - they have good maps on how to find the potteries.
Fourthly, even if all you do is look, Seagrove’s rolling hills and country roads are a wonderful backdrop to the potteries, which are interesting in themselves. And although Seagrove when looked at on a map seems like it’s in the middle of nowhere, it is centrally located near many of North Carolina’s populated areas - even Greensboro, and not that far from many places in South Carolina. If Linda hadn’t been on call for her 911 job on Sunday, we probably would have stayed with Will in Greensboro and gone back to more potteries on Sunday. They also have hotels in the area for those without friends in the area.
And my fifth point is, we have been involved with the Seagrove area and its potters since last July, but we know there are great potters located all over the Carolinas. In fact, our last pottery purchase was made almost a year and a half ago up in Asheville, NC, during one of the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s Fairs. We purchased a piece of pottery from Courtney Erin Martin from Bakersville, NC. Before that we purchased works at one of the annual Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Crafts Fair in Charleston, SC - probably from a Carolina potter. Our collection is focused on works by Carolina artists. And, before that we’ve gotten works at Southern Pottery Workcenter & Gallery in Columbia, SC. Peter Lenzo does some outstanding work and also carries great works from other Carolina potters. In other words - we get around and we shop around.
But, if it seems like we have been focused on Seagrove - we have. They need the attention. They deserve the attention - at least the good kind. And, I hope you (the readers) are giving it to them through this blog.
The next big event in Seagrove will be the 2nd annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters, taking place on Nov. 20-22, 2009. Actually two pottery festivals will be taking place that weekend in Seagrove. I recommend you go see both, but you don’t have to wait for a big event to go visit potteries in Seagrove. In fact, I bet they would like it if you just went there any old time. Buy all the pottery you want - they’ll make more.
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