Clay People: Faces of N.C. Pottery

While most people think of Seagrove as the home of N.C. pottery, its birthplace is located just down the pottery highway in Moore County.

Highway 705, better known as the "Pottery Highway," is the path to Moore County's turners and burners.

Published on February 21, 2010

The birthplace of N.C. pottery lies just over the Moore-Randolph county line down Busbee Road at Jugtown Pottery. Jacques and Juliana Busbee founded Jugtown in 1921 and kept the strictly utilitarian industry alive despite the advent of mason jars.

Published on February 21, 2010

Travis Owens sands recently fired pieces with his uncle, Bobby Owens at Jugtown. M.L. Owens, Travis' grandfather and Bobby's father, was one of the original potters of Jugtown.

Published on February 21, 2010

A small pitcher from Jugtown Pottery featuring a salt glaze.

Published on February 21, 2010

Down the road from Jugtown Pottery is Westmoore Pottery, where Mary and David Farrell craft pottery with the same traditional approach as the area's early settlers. Mary Farrell unloads a kiln at the Westmoore Studio.

Published on February 21, 2010

Westmoore's pieces are reproductions of pottery styles made between 1750 and 1850. The Farrells' work is so authentic that their pieces have been used as props in historical dramas such as "The Patriot" and "Cold Mountain."

Published on February 21, 2010

David Farrell works on a piece in the Farrells' studio.

Published on February 21, 2010

While many workshops have been in the area for generations, Bobbie Thomas and her husband, Scott, set up shop three years ago, offering more of a hands-on approach to pottery for visitors.

Published on February 21, 2010

Scott teaches pottery workshops, in which participants learn how to make some of her pieces, such as this frog cup. Scott says her frog pieces are the most popular at her workshops.

Published on February 21, 2010

Scott likes to utilize textures found in nature. She uses handmade stamps to effectively create the patterns.

Published on February 21, 2010

Will McCanless is a second-generation potter, who grew up watching his parents throw at Dover Pottery, which is located just down the road from his studio. McCanless is known for his eclectic vision, offering a variety of styles and techniques.

Published on February 21, 2010

McCanless is widely known for his Crystalline glaze.

Published on February 21, 2010

Sid Luck learned how to turn at J.B. Cole Pottery, one of the original potteries of nearby Seagrove. At 63 years old, Luck has seen the area change in several ways over the years. More workshops line the pottery highway, giving visitors a wider variety of options far beyond the traditional pieces that Luck grew up learning to turn.