Program will be held at Porche Pottery in Erwin TN

For centuries, potters around the world have shaped clay using simple turning devices—first slow, hand-spun stones, then weighted kick wheels, and eventually treadle wheels powered by steady footwork. These early wheels made it possible to form vessels with greater speed and symmetry, becoming essential tools in everyday life. In Appalachia, settlers and local craftspeople adopted and adapted these wheels, using regional clays to make jars, crocks, and tableware for home and trade. Join us as we explore historic potters’ wheels, their evolution, and the traditions they shaped in the mountains.