Carolina Pottery Festival
A Celebration of Craft, Clay, and Creative Tradition
LeGrand Center • Shelby, North Carolina
Step into a world where earth, fire, and imagination collide.
The Carolina Pottery Festival is one of the largest pottery-exclusive festivals in the Southeast, drawing potters and collectors from across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and beyond. Each year, more than 70 professional ceramic artists and potters—ranging from award-winning masters to exciting emerging makers—gather under one roof for a one-day celebration of handmade pottery and clay art.
This isn’t just a show.
It’s a pilgrimage for pottery lovers.
From traditional wood-fired and salt-fired vessels to sleek contemporary ceramic sculpture, visitors can explore thousands of pieces representing nearly every firing style, glaze technique, and regional pottery tradition in the Carolinas. Whether you collect slip-trailed stoneware, bright modern color palettes, or rustic folk-inspired clay forms, you’ll discover work you won’t find anywhere else.
💛 What Makes the Festival Special
- Potters Only — exclusively pottery and ceramic art
- Meet-the-Maker Format — talk directly to each artist
- Something for every aesthetic — functional, sculptural, decorative, traditional, modern
- A true collector’s experience — from affordable everyday pieces to heirloom works
Many artists bring one-of-a-kind pieces or collections created specifically for this festival.
You’ll hear stories of clay dug by hand.
You’ll learn how ash becomes glaze when the kiln reaches 2400°F.
You’ll experience the emotion of choosing a handmade piece—knowing exactly who made it, and why.
🌎 Rooted in Heritage
The Carolina Pottery Festival was founded by potters who wanted a show dedicated solely to the craft of clay. That spirit remains today—an event run with potters, for pottery lovers. It continues to champion the rich pottery history of our region, especially North Carolina, home to some of the nation’s most influential ceramic traditions.
🎉 Immerse Yourself
- Wander through rows of beautifully curated booths
- Watch live demonstrations and wheel-throwing techniques
- Learn about firing styles, kilns, glazes, and tools
- Support working artists and take home something that will last a lifetime
Whether you're an avid collector, a first-time pottery buyer, or someone who simply appreciates craftsmanship, the Carolina Pottery Festival offers a welcoming and inspiring experience.
Come discover the power of handmade.
Come support the artists who tell stories through clay.
Come find the piece that speaks to you.
Potters interested in applying may contact:
📩 donna downey, Special Projects Coordinator
donna@ccartscouncil.org