News

For Immediate Release
August 20, 2008
Contact: Jennie L Keatts jennie@jlkjewelry.com, Susan Greene sbz@rtmc.net

CELEBRATION OF SEAGROVE POTTERS ANNOUNCES PARTICIPANTS!

Seagrove -- The Celebration of Seagrove Potters was formed in early June when a group of Seagrove Potters decided to organize a event that showcased the potters of the actual Seagrove area. Many factors led to this decision, the most important being the desire of many Seagrove artists to work together to protect the unique and authentic pottery community that has taken generations to build. This festival will be held November 22-23, 2008 and will offer shoppers a one-stop, indoor shopping opportunity to purchase clay work made only in the area defined authentically as Seagrove. Seagrove potters, and their work, are the reason that customers come to shows and this date was chosen so that the customers that expect to find Seagrove pottery, at this traditional time, will find the majority of it there under one roof.

Over 70% of the Seagrove potters that earn their living making pottery in the local Seagrove area will be participating in the inaugural event. The town of Seagrove is at the intersection of NC Business Highway 220 and NC Highway 705, which in 2002 was designated as Pottery Highway because it runs through the heart of pottery country. Seagrove potters are located throughout the countryside, all around these two major roads, and are all easily accessible from them. The shops are diverse and interesting, and all worthy of a visit. The Celebration of Seagrove Potters will be held at the historic Luck's Cannery, on NC 705, Pottery Highway, located a half mile south of the traffic light in Seagrove.

The planning and implementation of the Celebration of Seagrove Potters festival has become a strong example of community unity and teamwork. Many committees are working together to bring a professional and creative event to life. Local companies, such as Zimmerman Winery, are providing sponsorship to make the event festive and enjoyable. Seagrove potters are nationally known, and the majority of those recognizable names will be exhibiting, and are working together to make this festival a success. Over 60 people, both potters and community members, are committed to working on the production of the festival, with more coming on board each week.

The Celebration of Seagrove Potters will open on Friday evening, November 21 at 6:30 PM with a Gala Preview Party. Meet the artists and enjoy the opening night festivities of this fabulous new event as visitors have the first opportunity to browse and purchase from the thousands of pieces, sip a favorite beverage and enjoy hors d'oeuvres. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to preview a select collection of unique collaborative pieces. This is a first time venture, teaming Seagrove artists, to produce highly collectable one-of-a-kind pieces. This artwork will be auctioned at 8:00 PM on Friday evening, with the proceeds being donated to a local charity, soon to be named! Tickets will be limited and information will be available soon, on line at www.CelebrationOfSeagrovePotters.com.

Saturday, November 22 the show is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, November 23. A second fundraising auction will be held at 4:00 PM, Saturday, with proceeds going to additional non-profit and charitable organizations, soon to be announced. Food and beverage vendors will be set up, a special Kids Tent (only kids allowed in to buy Seagrove pottery at kids prices!) will raise funds to be donated to the Seagrove and Westmoore schools, demonstrations and educational opportunities will be available, and more. Watch the web site www.CelebrationOfSeagrovePotters.com for upcoming information.

Special thanks to our 2008 sponsors: Randolph County Tourism Development Authority, CommunityOne, Embarq, Skutt Kilns, Williams Supply, Advisors Financial Center, Richard and Susan Garkalns, Insurance Associates of the Triad, Randolph Arts Guild, Starworks, Zimmerman Winery and Asheboro Elastics.

The following Seagrove potteries and artists will be participating: Avery, Ben Owen, Blue Stone, Bulldog, Cagle Road, Caldwell-Hohl, Chad Brown, Charlie Riggs, Chris Luther, Country Pots, Cross Creek, Crystal King, Daniel Johnston, David Stuempfle, Dean & Martin, Dirt Works, Dixieland, Donna Craven, Dover, Fireshadow, From the Ground Up, Gingerbread House, Great White Oak Gallery, Hatfield, Humble Mill, Jakes, JLK Jewelry, Johnston & Gentithes, Jugtown, King's, Kovack, Lantern Hill, Latham's, Living Water Studio, Luck's Ware, Marsh, McCanless, McKay, Nichols, Old Gap, Old Hard Times, Old House, Ole Fish House, Original Owens, Pat Newby, Pebbles, Potts, Ray, Rockhouse, Seagrove Stoneware, Smith, Studio Touya, Taylor, Thomas, Tom Gray, Triple C, Turn & Burn, Uwharrie Crystalline, Whynot, Windsong, Zehmer.

Visit www.CelebrationOfSeagrovePotters.com to learn more about the festival and potters and find links to the individual pottery pages.

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