The scenic drive from Cherokee to the Virginia state line guarantees beauty in more ways than one. Take a detour off the Blue Ridge Parkway to meet some of the artists inspired by our majestic mountains, wild landscapes, and natural diversity — and to appreciate a different sort of view.
From UNC Chapel Hill’s Wilson Library — housing what’s believed to be the largest library collection in the country devoted to a single state — to personal troves of duck decoys, pottery pieces, trains, tractors, and more: Meet the passionate collectors who curate the past and present, the serious and curious, the tangible items that tell the story of life in North Carolina.
North Carolinians have always known that our pottery tradition is something to celebrate. As its dishware in simple shapes and earthy colors captivates a growing fan base, Asheville’s East Fork pottery is letting the rest of the world in on our secret.
A former cotton mill just off the interstate in Halifax County has taken on a new life. Today, the enormous 122-year-old building is an antiquarian’s playground packed with rare treasures and stories around every corner.
Most people don’t think about the soil they walk on. But Tori Motyl knows its potential: In her hands, western North Carolina clay becomes a stunning expression of place.
This town and its surrounding hamlets occupy only a few square miles in the corners of Randolph and Moore counties, yet they’re home to dozens of potters, one of the densest concentrations in the world. To paraphrase an old saw: You can’t throw a pot without hitting one.
Take a seat with three master potters to find out how to start your own pottery collection, their favorite pieces to make, and what it’s really like behind the wheel.
An Asheville ceramic artist’s love for nature and her dedication to authenticity is reflected in her stunning pottery made from wild North Carolina clay, which won her the top prize in the 2020 Made in NC Awards.
A member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee uses traditional techniques to keep the pottery of his ancestors alive.
