Artist Alley in downtown Southern Pines announces that Nichols Pottery has joined their community of artists.

A First Friday opening will be held in their honor on Friday, March 4, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Nicholses will be in attendance to meet with visitors throughout the evening. Refreshments will be served.

Garry and Rebecca "Robbie" Nichols began taking pottery -classes at Montgomery Community College in Troy back in 1991. Nichols Pottery was established in 1994 in their home in the Eagle Springs-Robbins area of Moore County. They later moved their gallery into Garry's grandparents' home in the Westmoore-Seagrove area.

"The Nicholses pottery is well-loved and respected in Moore County," says Artist Alley owner Jean Skipper. "We are very excited to have them join our family here at the Alley."

The Nicholses business is truly a family affair. Almost all of the pottery pieces are turned by Garry and son, Tommy. Two of the most popular glazes they offer are named after their grandchildren: Rylie Red and Kynedie's Kaleidoscope. The pottery is all hand-turned and gas-fired. The glazes are lead-free, and all their pieces are dishwasher and microwave safe.

"We specialize in functional and some decorative pieces," says Rebecca Nichols. "We do dinnerware sets and all types of servingware along with vases, birdhouses and more. Some of our signature pieces include our Biblical pottery that honors women from the Bible. We hand sign all of our pottery with the words 'God Bless You' along with the turner's initials."

Artist Alley is located in downtown Southern Pines, one block east of the train station, at 167 E. New Hampshire Ave. The gallery features the work of more than 60 North Carolina artists and craftspeople, many of them local residents. Regular business hours are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For more information about the First Friday opening or Artist Alley, call Jean Skipper at (910) 692-6077. >