In 2001 six local potters decided to host a pottery show. They found a venue at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds, started spreading the word, and were very surprised when more than 50 potters participated in that first festival.
Fifteen years later, The Carolina Pottery show has grown to include more than 100 local and regional potters showing and selling their work. This year's show will be Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the LeGrand Center in Shelby.
"There are so many different styles and ways of making pottery, it's just amazing to see the variety," says Vicki Gill, one of the show's organizers. "And everyone who exhibits at the festival makes and sells their own original works. Those attending can expect to see traditional, contemporary, functional, decorative and sculptural work. There's really something for everyone!"
While most of the potters exhibiting at the festival are from the local area, some come from as far away as Georgia, Virginia and Tennessee, Gill says. This year's show features a mixture of festival veterans as well as some new faces. "Every year we get some new potters who want to come and participate in the festival," Gill says.
Admission to the festival is $5 (those under age 14 are admitted free). Part of the admission fee will go to the Cleveland County Arts Council.
"We really couldn't do this festival without the Arts Council," says Gill. "The Carolina Pottery Festival Board of Directors coordinates the festival with the Arts Council, and their volunteers and organizational help are just invaluable."
For more information about the festival, visit the event web site at
www.carolinapotteryfestival.org or find the festival's Facebook page by searching for "Carolina Pottery Festival."

By April Hoyle-Shauf

Special to Shelby Shopper & Info