Travel Guides
Pottery Itinerary for the Seagrove Area -- Stop 1 North Carolina Pottery Center
North Carolina Pottery Center
This tour begins in downtown Seagrove, at the North Carolina Pottery Center, 250 East Avenue. Admission is two dollars for adults, one dollar for high school-age visitors (9th through 12th grade), and free for anyone younger.
The North Carolina Pottery Center is beautifully designed museum housing a collection of pottery from all over the state, which represents many traditions and eras, from pre-historic Native American vessels to the work of today’s best potters. Fine rotating exhibits in the main hall focus on specific potters and traditions in North Carolina. A rebuilt section of the weathered frame workshop of the late Burlon Craig gives a close-up view of the tools and equipment used by this master of the Catawba Valley tradition. The pottery of many active artists in and around Seagrove is showcased near the front of the museum; taking a look at these artists’ work may inspire you to visit their shops as you drive along on this tour.
In addition to exhibitions, the North Carolina Pottery Center hosts workshops, classes, and other pottery-related events throughout the year. Check the museum’s schedule to find out what special events may be happening when you visit. Keep in mind also that late in the fall of the year the town is home to the Seagrove Pottery Festival, sponsored by the Museum of Traditional North Carolina Pottery, which features the work of dozens of local potters all gathered in one place, and is usually held the weekend before Thanksgiving.
Before you leave the North Carolina Pottery Center, be sure to check out the groundhog kiln outside, an old-time kiln style still used by many of the state’s potters.
Photo: North Carolina Pottery Center, photo by Sarah Bryan; Nell Cole Graves, photo by Cedric Chatterley
Please click here to proceed to proceed to Stop 2.