USVI-On-Line

I didn't want to hijack (bad, bad!) Anthony's thread so I thought I would start a new one.

For those who might not know, Seagrove NC is a small town east of Asheboro where many potteries are located. The potters originally made functional pottery. There are families who have made pottery for generations still there, mixed with artists who have moved to the area.

Here is a link to a great website that gives the history and more details about the potteries. There are more than 90 potteries in the area. This is a wonderful side trip or even a destination if you are ever looking for something unique to do. It is about 1 1/2 hours or so from both Raleigh and Charlotte, more or less.

http://www.seagrovepotteryheritage.com/index.html

The potteries are spread out over the area, some next door to each other, some miles away in the middle of nowhere. It would take more than a day to see them all. Some have entirely functional pottery and some have gallery quality pieces. (A handful are extremely tacky, but most are quite nice)

The fall is a great time to visit because most potters have a full stock for the holiday sales. There is a pottery festival that also takes place. I have never been to it, but I have visited the area the weekend before. Some potteries were a little low on items because they had packed up for the festival.

Anyways, thought I would let you know in case you are ever in the area! You can actually browse the potteries online and see the style of artists before your visit to pare it down.

I just moved this post to off topic, accidently posted in wrong place

Anyways, some of my favorite potteries you can view from the website-I have items from these potters due to looks and affordability (I can't afford the way high end stuff)

Tom Gray
Turn and Burn
Cross Creek
Why Not

and many others. I have lots!

Asheboro? Where the zoo is, right?

1/2 way between you and me

Yes, Asheboro, not Asheville. Pretty much halfway between Charlotte and Raleigh time-wise. I used to meet some old college buddies there every year.

That was before we had kids (translation=when we had money). We had a deal whoever spent the least had to plan the next trip!

We are less than an hr from where you are talking about and yes there are some neat stuff there. We enjoy going to the Zoo..fairly inexpensive way to spend the day...Also 220 is 4 lane now and makes the trip even quicker for us...we are near Rockingham.
And, If you need a potty break... There are 2 new rest areas being built at the next exit down going S on 220..the North side is almost ready to open..My wonderful Hubby designed the case work inside of them...I cant wait to see them..

djmom, thanks for posting the Seagrove website and sharing your knowedge of this interesting place. After just a glance at some online pieces and a quick read of the history there, I hope to plan a stop in Asheboro sometime.

I've got a bunch of these pieces. They are beautiful and very durable. Some of the bowls I've used for 20 years in the kitchen and they have held up remarkably without even a scratch.

Some of my pieces are from Ben Owens, Chrisco, Cross Creek (face jug that looks like me), Jugtown, Seagrove and Westmoore.

My ex was big into this stuff and we spent some honeymoon time shopping there. I really like the salt glazed stoneware. It would be nice to make another trip, but you know how it is going to "her" favorite places with the current herself. I need to be sneaky and wrap it around another trip. NC forum gathering?

Cheers, RickG

I have to say I'm thrilled to see this thread!! I'm from Seagrove, my mother is an Owens...she's a potter at the Original Owens pottery, her father was M.L. Owens. My uncle owns and operates Jugtown Pottery. Pottery is a huge part of my family's heritage and history, and I'm happy to see it appreciated here.

RickG - wonderful to hear that you have some of my families pots in your collection!

LC- that is SO cool! I know I have been to an Owens pottery and to Jugtown. Owens is the best known pottery, pretty much, correct?

Maybe you could tell some of the forum people browsing this thread about the face jugs. I can't really remember what they are all about, but I plan to get one one day.

I wish more of the potters would sign their work clearly! Just looked at a few more of my pots- have several from Cagle Road, Cady Clay, Dirtworks, Dover....I have lots of pottery! Browns, tans, neutrals mainly. LOVE IT.

Now I am really in the mood to go shopping.

Yes, the Owens family is probably the most well-known, and the oldest, pottery family in the area.

Face jugs are really cool, one of my favorite pottery items. The story that I've always heard passed down is this: Face jugs were created years ago when people drank moonshine. they would store it in the pottery jugs, but were afraid the kids would get into it - so they started putting ugly/scary faces on the jugs to keep the kids from bothering their liquor! sometimes you'll hear folks refer to face jugs as "ugly jugs", too.

I love that story! Now I am definitely getting one!