The NC Pottery Highway consists of around 80 working potters, all with unique pottery styles and techniques. I was blown away by the potters’ humility and the pride they take in their work. Visiting Seagrove and the NC Pottery Highway is such a unique day trip idea in North Carolina.
I had the opportunity to interview three local potters in the area, each providing me with their perspective on Seagrove, their pottery styles, and how to visit this unique area in North Carolina.
About the NC Pottery Highway
What is the NC pottery highway?
The NC Pottery Highway is a 30-mile stretch of land where potters first began making pottery due to the abundance of clay in the area. This area is known as the pottery capital of the US, as it has around 80 shops showcasing handmade pottery in North Carolina.
Getting to the NC Pottery Highway
The NC Pottery Highway, also known as North Carolina Highway 705, passes through Seagrove, going towards Robbins and ends near Eagle Springs, North Carolina. There are around 80 potters that span across 30 miles. Because the highway covers a long stretch of country roads, a car is necessary to reach the different shops.
How to Visit
Being the pottery capital of the US, Seagrove and the surrounding area can be daunting to explore. It is important to visit the NC pottery area with an open mind and know that it is impossible to explore all the shops in one visit.
The local potters listed below provide some great advice for first-time visitors to the NC Pottery Highway and how to plan your trip.
Kluba Ceramics
Nicole Kluba, 5th Generation Potter, Kluba Ceramics, April 26th Grand Opening
About Kluba Ceramics
Nicole Kluba initially got into pottery at a young age while in school. As she became older, pottery was put on the back burner so she could pursue a career in law enforcement. Nicole continued to work in pottery as she painted designs for Cagle Road Pottery and took classes at the Potters Association.
What’s it like being a 5th-generation potter?
Nicole’s motivation to do pottery is due to her family history. She is extremely close to her aunt and uncle, who own Richardson pottery (temporarily closed). Nicole was also extremely close with her grandfather, and recalls him telling her stories of her great-grandfather Wendell Richardson. In the 1920s, Nicole’s great-grandfather, Wendell, worked at Almond Pottery.
” I didn’t get to know my great-grandpa or my great-great-grandpa, unfortunately, but if they were anything like my grandpa, then I know they were amazing people. So, that just really keeps me motivated.Especially hearing stories from family about, Wendell, which is my my great-grandpa. Hearing about how he was and how kind he was and all the things he did. It just makes me want to keep the tradition alive and keep their names alive.”
All of Nicole’s family has lived on the same road along the NC Pottery Highway, owning the same land, digging the same clay for five generations.
“All of my family over the generations has lived right on this road right here. And all the land is family land that’s been passed down, most of it’s been sold off over the years, but this was my grandfather’s land. And so, just knowing that he was out here digging up clay. It’s very, very special. Like you said, it’s just a very unique connection there.”
Thoughts on Seagrove, NC?
Nicole explains that her experience getting to know the local potters has been amazing and supportive. She says, “I’ve never been a part of anything where everybody is so welcoming…And I can only imagine this is how my ancestors felt and what kept them in the area.”
While visiting Seagrove, my main takeaway was that the community was so humble and so connected to not only their ancestors, but also their work.
Tips on visiting the NC pottery highway?
Nicole’s main tip for visiting the NC Pottery Highway is to “visit as many potters as you can, they all have so much knowledge and expertise to share.” To maximize the number of potters to visit, pick up a map at either the North Carolina Pottery Center or most potters have the maps available.
Nicole also says to check out the Seagrove Cafe for lunch and try one of their delicious cinnamon rolls!
Westmoore Pottery
Mary Farrell, Westmoore Pottery, Historical Pottery
About Westmoore Pottery
Mary Farrel moved to Seagrove in 1977 when there were only 5 potters in the area. She began working at the famous Jugtown Pottery until she opened her studio, focusing on historical pieces featuring pottery from the 1600s to 1830s.
Her main clientele is museums, Old Salem, and other places that feature historical pottery.
Thoughts on Seagrove, NC
Tips on Visiting The NC Pottery Highway
As I mentioned, when Mary first came to Seagrove in 1977, there were only 5 potters. There are now roughly 80. It would be impossible to visit every single potter in the area.
“But because there were only five, you know, we have many more good potteries now than we did then, because the maximum was six. And we have much more variety of style than we had then, too, so people would come in looking for more modern things. And, you know, everybody was pretty based in tradition. Now that’s not true. And people can really find what they want.”
Mary’s advice: Think of your first time visiting Seagrove as an introduction. Keep the map and use it as a record for the shops you visited. This way you can keep track of the potters you like, ones that aren’t your style, and ones that you wish to visit next time.
“Now, you know, they kind of get almost a little shell-shocked when they come here. They don’t realize, they’re not all in a mall. They have to drive from one to another. If you want to talk to a potter about something, it’s going to take a little while. And you can’t see everything on a Saturday.”
If you already know the type of pottery you enjoy, you can also narrow down potters by category. Some categories Mary suggests:
- Inexpensive, but well-made (perfect for dinnerware)
- Crystalline pottery
- Hand building instead of wheel work
- Wood firing
- Sculptural pieces
These are only a few examples of pottery categories, I would utilize the Seagrove driving guide and map, where all the pottery shops are listed with a brief description
Mary also suggests having a 1st and 2nd tier; that way, if you have more time than you were initially expecting, you have another list of potters you can explore.
Eck McCanless Pottery
Eck McCanless Pottery, 2nd Generation Potter
About Eck McCanless Pottery
Eck first got into pottery at 4 years old when his parents moved to Seagrove in 1979. He had an affinity towards the agateware style because there is more of a sculptural aspect. When the clay colors are mixed, the way the clay moves is used as decoration in the pieces.
Eck’s Gallery is now filled with his signature blue and brown hues, with the occasional limited edition color mixes. Eck explains his father initially taught him agateware “because the mixing of the clay colors is a perfect example of what the clay is doing when mixing and working with the wheel.”
You can often find Eck on his porch doing live demonstrations for visitors, a practice he has done since a young age, as his first wheel was set up in his parents’ gallery.
2nd Generation Potter
From Salisbury, North Carolina, Eck describes his parents as hippies who pursued pottery. Eck explains he initially had “no choice” in doing pottery while working at a young age at his parents’ shop, which closed in 2019. He says he rebelled against pottery until he opened his shop and saw it as his ticket to freedom to pursue his music career.
Thoughts on Seagrove?
Eck explains that Seagrove is a great example of how mom-and-pop shops can thrive, but they also tend to be the first to go when the economy goes bad. Most of the potters in the area are a close-knit community and don’t step on each other’s toes.
“You have all these artists and craftspeople that are able to make a living that can deliver an art form to folks.”
Tips on Visiting The NC Pottery Highway
Eck’s Advice: You will initially have to make a habit of coming to the NC Pottery Highway because there are so many. “Don’t be shy,” Eck says; most pottery shops are in people’s houses, but that shouldn’t deter visitors from coming in. Some of his suggestions include Pottery by Frank Neef and Seagrove Art Pottery. Another suggestion is to visit Busbee Road, as it represents the history of Seagrove.
“Don’t be shy, if it looks like it may be a house and the sign says open, go on in, you will probably see something amazing.”
Make a Weekend Out Of It!
The NC Pottery Highway is such a fun day trip in North Carolina. Consider visiting Southern Pines, Pinehurst, or Aberdeen to explore 3 quaint downtowns all within 15 minutes of each other!
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Thank You
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Thank you for reading my post. I would appreciate your thoughts about Seagrove, North Carolina, and how this blog post helped you plan your trip.
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