The art of pottery has deep roots in Western North Carolina. Cherokee pottery traditions stretch back thousands of years, while later generations of mountain potters developed a tradition of creating functional, then decorative, stoneware. Today, that heritage continues through working artists and studios throughout the region.
For Western N.C. residents and visitors alike, pottery can be a unique way to experience the character of the mountain communities in and around Asheville. Here are some spots, many off the beaten path, to add to your exploration of Western N.C. pottery.
Buncombe County Pottery
Plays In Mud Pottery (West Asheville)
This small working pottery studio, gallery and teaching space gives visitors the opportunity to shop the studio’s pieces or take a class in wheel throwing or handbuilding. Everything from “Date Night” guided pottery-making events to more involved, weeks-long classes are available.
Mangum Pottery (Weaverville)
A longtime family pottery just north of Asheville on Weaverville’s quaint Main Street, Mangum Pottery offers handmade mugs, dinnerware, vases and other functional pieces. Visitors can browse the gallery and see the working studio.
Sarah Sunshine Pottery (Black Mountain)
In the heart of downtown Black Mountain, Sarah Sunshine Pottery offers handmade ceramics of light-weight, thin designs created for everyday use, from mugs and bowls to pitchers, serving pieces and decorative work. Bonus: It’s an easy stop to combine with Black Mountain’s galleries, shops and restaurants.
Henderson County Pottery
Berning Pottery (Flat Rock)
Potter Travis Berning creates distinctive ceramics using real maple leaves to make impressions in the clay. His studio overlooks the Green River Game Lands and welcomes visitors by appointment.
Leftwich Pottery (Mills River)
Longtime studio potter Rodney Leftwich has deep connections to North Carolina’s traditional pottery heritage. His unique creations boast designs inspired by the region’s natural beauty, and often feature earth-toned glazes created from local minerals and wood ash.
Glassman Clay Studio (Hendersonville)
Ready to create pottery? Glassman Clay Studio, which is part of the Art League of Henderson County, offers plenty of opportunities to work with clay. Wheel throwing, handbuilding, kids’ classes and open studio memberships are all available at this community-oriented ceramics studio.
Haywood County Pottery
Haywood Community College Professional Crafts (Clyde)
For a deeper look at the region’s craft tradition, Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts Clay program is worth knowing about. Its ceramics facilities include wheels, slab rollers, multiple kilns and a gallery for professional and student exhibitions.
Stonehouse Pottery (Balsam)
Straddling the Haywood-Jackson county line, Stonehouse Pottery is a small, artist-run pottery studio and retail gallery specializing in handmade ceramics. Visitors can browse a selection of functional and decorative pottery; classes and workshops for both adults and children are also available.
Cold Mountain Art Collective (Canton)
This creative space offers pottery classes for everyone from beginners to more seasoned artisans. Memberships and day passes, kiln rentals and clay for sale are also available.
Madison County Pottery
Mudluscious Pottery (Mars Hill)
Ceramicist Cindy Trisler creates functional pottery with a playful personality, including mugs, bowls, plates and whimsical ceramic pieces. There’s even an onsite cabin for rent if you want to extend your stay!
Mars Hill Center for the Ceramic Arts (Mars Hill University)
This center, established in 2018, provides low-cost workshops to the Western N.C. community. Among the offerings are week-long workshops with nationally recognized ceramic artists, weekend demonstrations, and an artist-in-residency program.
Parmentier Pottery (Mars Hill)
Jim and Shirl Parmentier have been full-time studio potters since 1979. Their high-fired stoneware is known for intricate carved surfaces and beautiful glaze effects. Visits are by appointment.
Transylvania County Pottery
Duckpond Pottery (Brevard)
Overlooking the French Broad River along Scenic Highway 276, Duckpond Pottery features a working studio and small gallery shop. Potter Nick Friedman creates wood-fired utilitarian pottery using locally dug and refined clay. Visitors can enjoy an open-air coffee and tea counter with seating overlooking the French Broad River.
Mud Dabber’s Pottery of Brevard
A Brevard favorite since 1988, Mud Dabber’s features work from more than 30 local potters. The shop occupies a historic former general store, with a working studio next door.
Brevard Clay (Brevard)
Want to make your own pottery? Brevard Clay offers classes, workshops, wheel experiences and private lessons, along with a gallery featuring local and regional ceramic artists.
Whether you're already a longtime Western N.C. resident or considering making a move to the Asheville area, a pottery road trip is a wonderful reminder of the region’s many artistic treasures. For more information on real estate in Asheville or Western N.C., please contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.
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