Home Care In Ceramic, NC

SEAGROVE, N.C. — Seagrove Pottery Weekend kicked off Friday with one of the community's most important events of the year, the 18th Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters Gala, which helps support the Seagrove Area Potter's Association.

What You Need To Know

Every year, over the weekend before Thanksgiving, potters in the area showcase their work at two weekend-long events: the 43rd Annual Seagrove Pottery Festival at Seagrove Elementary and the 18th celebration of Seagrove Potters Show and Studio Tour at the newly renovated Luck Comer Lail Center.

Seagrove Stoneware Pottery co-owner Alexa Modderno has been selling her art in the pottery capital of the U.S. for more than 20 years.

Her co-owner, David Fernandez, is also a potter and serves as mayor of the town.

Modderno said they look forward to the weekend every year.

“I like it when everyone can get together and see each other, so I look forward to that part of this,” she explained while getting ready for the first night of the three-day event.

She said pottery weekend also means a boost in traffic for local pottery studios.

“For the potters here, it is an income for the rest of the winter. In the winter after Christmas, our tourist presentation here diminishes, and so a lot of this gets us through the rest of the year,” Modderno explained.

So far this year, business has been steady, she said, but some costs of materials have risen.

“Our clay has gone up a little bit. Some of what's gone up the most are the ingredients in our glazes, the metals, some are imported so, they have gone up some this year,” Modderno explained.

More than 100 potters live in the area and rely on the industry to put food on the table.

“We have an organization here called the SAPA organization, Seagrove Area Potters Association, and we try and look out for each other. So we started this potters relief group for if someone has health problems or has a disaster happen, then we have this fund. We have our potters' relief booth, where several of the potters donate pieces to help in case potters run into hard times,” said fellow artist and Seagrove Pottery Association member Eck McCanless.

He said the whole town normally sees an increase over the weekend, and although more people are tightening their belts this year, they still expect a great turnout.

“It's interesting that sometimes the economy does not reflect what the customers are going to be buying. We tend to do OK because we’re a luxury item. You know, we tend to do OK even in tough times,” McCanless explained.

The weekend will include live demonstrations, self-guided tours, a kids booth and a chance to interact with potters from across the state.

Both events help support potters in North Carolina.

This year, the 43rd Annual Pottery Festival invited western Carolina artists to come at a discount, and for the first time 25% of the proceeds from the silent auction at Friday’s gala will go toward creating a scholarship fund for local high school seniors pursuing art programs.

Check out some upcoming classes at Pullen Arts Center, and use the links below to register online!

For a full list of classes available, visit RecLink or preview upcoming classes and programs in the Leisure Ledger.

Youth and Teen

Family Pottery - Clay with Me! Book Series: The Snowy Day

Instructor: Kim LomaxAges: 3 - 5 yearsFee: $45 resident / $60 non-residentDate and Time: Mondays, Jan. 5 - Jan. 12, 3 - 4:30 p.m.Register for Family Pottery - Clay with Me! Book Series: The Snowy Day

Come join us as we read a fun themed book together and then build a clay project based on the book. We will build the clay piece on day 1 and glaze it on Day 2. These classes require adult participation. Pieces will be left for firing and available for pickup 2-3 weeks after the class. Class fee includes one adult and one child; please register child only. All materials provided. 2 Sessions. Instructor: Kim Lomax.

Youth Pottery - Hot Cocoa Mug

Instructor: Sue ChegariAges: 9 - 12 yearsFee: $30 resident / $45 non-residentDate and Time: Sundays, Jan. 4 - Jan. 11, 2:30 - 4 p.m.Register for Youth Pottery - Hot Cocoa Mug

Warm up this winter by crafting your very own ceramic mug! This exciting class invites youth potters to use hand-building techniques to create and personalize a functional mug perfect for enjoying hot cocoa and other warm drinks. Youth potters will learn hand-building skills while expressing their creativity, making each mug uniquely their own. Projects will be left for firing and available for pickup two weeks after the last class. All supplies included. 2 sessions. Instructor: Sue Chegari.

Teen Mixed Media - Valentine's Day Magic: Marbled Cards

Instructor: Zeynep GuvencAges: 11 - 15 yearsFee: $45 resident / $60 non-residentDate and Time: Saturday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.Register for Teen Mixed Media - Valentine's Day Magic: Marbled Cards

Celebrate love and creativity in this hands-on water-marbling workshop! In this delightful activity, you'll learn the mesmerizing art of water-marbling and transform it into unique Valentine's Day cards. The workshop begins with an introduction to basic marbling techniques, and students will practice creating stunning designs on paper. Once they've mastered the basics, they'll use their new skills to craft personalized marbled cards, perfect for sharing with loved ones, friends, or keeping as cherished mementos. All supplies included. 1 session. Instructor: Zeynep Guvenc.

Adult

Pottery - Coil Curious

Instructor: Patty MerrellAges: 16+Fee: $80 resident / $95 non-residentDate and Time: Tuesdays, Jan. 6- Jan. 27, 6 - 8:30 p.m.Register for Pottery - Coil Curious

Would you like to explore coil building without committing to a full 7 week course? This is the class for you! A shortened version of “Coil Building with Clay” will allow students to dip their toes a little further into the coiling world to see what it’s all about. During this 4 week session we will be learning how to build basic functional forms using coils as building tools. We will be making the coils by hand and focusing on blending them together as opposed to having them exposed. There will be no glazing class included so students should be prepared to glaze their pieces on their own time after the session is completed. Designed for students with studio memberships or students that have access to glazing/kilns. Supply list prints on receipt. 4 sessions. Instructor: Patty Merrell.

Painting - Beginning Acrylics

Instructor: Joanna MoodyAges: 16+Fee: $120 resident / $135 non-residentDate and Time: Wednesdays, Jan. 7 - Feb. 11, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.Register for Painting - Beginning Acrylics

This 6 week introductory course will cover the beginning basics of acrylic painting. We will cover the proper use of materials, brushwork, the color wheel, color mixing, composition, value and form. Students will gain an understanding of their materials with the goal of continuing painting beyond this class. This class qualifies students for a painting studio membership. Supply list prints on receipt. 6 sessions. Instructor: Joanna Moody.

Mixed Media - Water Marbling & Ebru Collage

Instructor: Zeynep GuvencAges: 16+Fee: $60 resident / $75 non-residentDate and Time: Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 13 - Jan. 14, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.Register for Mixed Media - Water Marbling & Ebru Collage

In this two-part workshop, participants will be introduced to the traditional art of paper marbling. In the first session, students will learn the basics of Turkish water marbling using floating pigments and traditional tools to create unique, colorful patterns on paper. Everyone will leave with several sheets of marbled paper they can use for future art projects. In the second session, students will bring the marbled papers they made the day before to create their collage artwork. They'll cut, layer, and combine pieces into abstract or figurative designs, then finish by sealing their work with Mod Podge on a board or canvas. All supplies included. 2 sessions. Instructor: Zeynep Guvenc.

Printmaking - Tie-Dye and Screen Print Extravaganza

Instructor: Keith NorvalAges: 16+Fee: $213 resident / $228 non-residentDate and Time: Tuesdays, Jan. 13 - Mar. 3, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.Register for Printmaking - Tie-Dye and Screen Print Extravaganza

Looking to brighten up your wardrobe? In this class we will tie-dye fabric (t-shirts, dishtowels, socks etc.) and then learn how to screen print designs onto the fabric. We will cover different tie-dye designs and applying the dye. Next we will create screen print designs that can be printed on shirts or paper. We will learn how to create designs, apply emulsion, expose the screens, and cover printing techniques. Supply fee of $20 for tie-dye to be paid to instructor first class. Students will provide their own materials to tie-dye and print on - prewashed, 100% cotton is recommended. 8 sessions. Instructor: Keith Norval.

Painting - Magical Realism in Nature

Instructor: Anna PodrisAges: 16+Fee: $144 resident / $159 non-residentDate and Time: Thursdays, Jan. 15 - Mar. 5, 6 - 9 p.m.Register for Painting - Magical Realism in Nature

This class will explore real and imagined forest imagery to create narrative paintings. Gathering inspiration from the abundant nature and wild creatures in and around Raleigh, we will use the painting process to examine our own relationship to the local environment. Students are welcome to use oils or acrylics. Some painting experience is a plus. Supply list prints on receipt. 8 sessions. Instructor: Anna Podris.

Mixed Media - Traditional Craft: Appalachian Turkey Wing Broom

Instructor: Sarah Ann AustinAges: 16+Fee: $50 resident / $65 non-residentDate and Time: Sunday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Register for Mixed Media - Traditional Craft: Appalachian Turkey Wing Broom

Hand Broom making is a traditional craft for beginners. Come learn to design and make functional and sculptural brooms! Students will learn how to tie classical hand brooms including the turkey wing. These traditional whisk brooms are an excellent introduction to the craft as well as the perfect jumping off point for a deeper dive. We will cover material choices and sourcing, and broom construction. Whether you are just starting out or looking for a new way to apply a lifetime of craft experience, broom making is an exciting and accessible traditional craft. $10 fee will be due at the beginning of class to cover supplies. 1 session. Instructor: Sarah Ann Austin.

Fibers - Reimagining Nature: Soft Sculptures

Instructor: Patrizia FerreiraAges: 16+Fee: $90 resident / $105 non-resident Date and Time: Wednesdays, Jan. 21 - Feb. 18, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.Register for Fibers - Reimagining Nature: Soft Sculptures

Learn to bring fabric into the three dimensions by stuffing it, wrapping it, twisting it, stitching it and knotting it in an endless array of ways. This is a great class to let go of preconceived ideas, experiment and discover new visual languages. We will be incorporating all manner of repurposed materials so feel free to donate or bring to class scraps of fabric, thread, yarn, wire, and other materials that might be incorporated into your pieces. Open to all levels. All materials included. 5 sessions. Instructor: Patrizia Ferreira.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — East Fork Pottery plans to invest $2.5 million to expand its Asheville production facilities, a move expected to double output and add 40 engineering and skilled manufacturing jobs over the next three years, the company and the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County announced Friday.

The new positions will pay an average wage of $26 per hour. The expansion will also support more than 125 existing jobs as East Fork increases production of its ceramic dinnerware and home goods.

Founded in 2010 by Alex Matisse in Madison County, East Fork has grown into a Certified B Corporation producing more than 750,000 pieces annually. The company is known for its community investment efforts, including more than $2 million donated to local grassroots organizations since 2017, and its participation in fair-chance hiring programs.

“We’re excited to deepen our commitment to the Asheville community through this investment,” Matisse said in a statement. “There is a long tradition of pottery making in North Carolina, and we are proud to continue that legacy while providing a living wage.”

The expansion comes as the region’s creative economy continues to grow. In 2024, creative sector jobs in Buncombe County topped 9,000 and generated more than $1.1 billion in revenue, according to the EDC.

Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer praised East Fork’s announcement, saying the company plays “an essential role in rebuilding our creative economy and supporting a resilient future in Western North Carolina.”

Buncombe County Commission Chair Amanda Edwards said the project reinforces the county’s strategy to grow high-wage creative and advanced manufacturing jobs. “These expansions strengthen our national reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing,” she said.

EDC Board Chair Carol Steen said East Fork’s commitment to living wages and workforce investment exemplifies the region’s economic development goals. Supporting homegrown companies as they reinvest in our community is at the heart of the EDC’s work, she said.

More information about East Fork and job opportunities is available at eastfork.com.