“This is Where I Want to Be!” says Archeologist

“This is Where I Want to Be!” says Archeologist

Edgefield Has “Nonrenewable Resources” Laura Clifford had made a long journey of study and discovery before she said, “This is where I want to be!” This was when she landed at the Piedmont Pottery Center under the teachings of Thomas Koole. She had been a teacher with higher degrees in archeology and education and more […]

“With clay in my veins…”

“With clay in my veins…”

– By Leonard Todd – I was a guest speaker at the 48th annual NCECA Conference, held this year in Milwaukee. The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts is a dynamic and influential organization that celebrates the creative potential of clay. Almost 4,500 of its members were at the conference, nearly all of them potters. I spoke on […]

Local Potters Provide Art for Christmas Decoration Winners

Local Potters Provide Art for Christmas Decoration Winners

A brief interview with Thomas Koole and Justin Guy, two Edgefield potters of note, give explanations of interest to the style and form of their special gifts, made without charge for the Town as gifts to the 2013 Christmas House Decoration Winners. Thomas Koole spoke of his pottery as “using tradition in a new way.” […]

Goldberg Groundhog Kiln Gets Another Firing

Goldberg Groundhog Kiln Gets Another Firing

The Groundhog Kiln, poised on a rise near the entrance to old Pottersville, was heated up for the first time since September on December 3 as part of a weekend celebration of history in Edgefield.  The weekend included the formal re-opening of the Blacksmith Shop, tours of Willowbrook Cemetery, and acknowledging the history of Edgefield […]

The Early Magic of Clay Building

The Early Magic of Clay Building

By Justin Guy – About thirty thousand years! That’s how long humans have been working with clay and making it into objects we need or at least objects we believe we needed. For a generational equivalent that means that about 150 grandmothers ago your “mega” great-grandmother was just figuring out that she could take that […]

A Valentine From Dave the Potter

A Valentine From Dave the Potter

February 14, 2013, is the 150th anniversary of Dave making this jar. The jar is marked with the date of February 14, 1863. This Valentine of Edgefield Pottery from Dave the potter turned up in Savannah, Ga., and is owned by Paul Blatner, who collects Southern Americana.  He may be contacted at (912) 257-8904.   […]

The “Clay Stash” has been Found!

The “Clay Stash” has been Found!

The “Clay Stash” has been discovered.  Ann Byrd, a potter herself, was eager to find that clay disc and had searched every venue possible – the Discovery Center, the square (“I pulled back grass all over the place, I even looked behind markers.”), and last, but not least, the Tompkins Library/Visitors Center where she found […]

Old Edgefield Pottery Stash – Week Two Clue

Old Edgefield Pottery Stash – Week Two Clue

“I Know exactly where it’s hidden” I heard many people say. Who thought I’d make it easy To give those pots away.   Oh it’s still out there As we continue with week two. And so along with last week’s rhyme I’ll add another clue.   There are many ways to tell a story Besides […]

News from Old Edgefield Pottery

News from Old Edgefield Pottery

Find Pottery in a Game of Chance –  Here begins a series, a long one we hope, of articles from Justin Guy, who is steering Old Edgefield Pottery and appointed by the Edgefield Historical Society as Director of Pottery Initiatives for the Society. He will be sharing information about the field of pottery as well […]