Proud to be a Mountain Folk

I LOVE THE WESTERN CAROLINA MOUNTAINS!

Folks have lived in these mountains for centuries.  Some locals here in Bryson City can trace their families way back – part of this county (Swain)  is in the Cherokee nation, which means some folks here trace their family back before America was colonized.  With such a long history, there are many stories of people that have lived here.  Two wonderful ladies, Doreyl Ammons Cain and Amy Ammons Garza, want to make sure those stories are told and heard.  Their podcast, Stories of Mountain Folk, contains short interviews with folks that live in the mountains of Western North Carolina – folks that are traditional mountain folk and new mountain transplants.  Everyone that lives in these mountains has a story  – and if their story contributes to the art, culture and place of Western North Carolina, Doreyl and Amy are out to catch that spirit – their story.    I am proud to have been asked to be one of the Mountain Folk and proud that my husband, Jeff, was also interviewed about his banjo making.

Stop and have a listen to my interview and stories of other mountain folk, including my husband,  Jeff Delfield.  Each is just 1/2 hour long and pretty enjoyable!  Before I come on, here an interview with Jenny Johnson of the Swain Center for the Arts, too.  There are plenty of artful and crafty things happening in Swain County, my hometown!

Learn more about Amy and Doreyl’s mission to Catch the Spirit of Appalachia.

Face Jug Workshop

Rob Withrow and Ted Cooley came to visit Southwestern Community College’s Heritage Arts program in Bryson City, North Carolina to show off their face jug style. They did a great job entertaining and teaching us how to make colorful, funny face pots.

Of course, the night started off with a pot luck, which means lots of fabulous food! Then Rob began working on his pots (about 3 feet each). Rob also brought one of his signature piggy bank pigs. When he and Ted were done with their first face, it was time for the students to get to work on their own.

This was a great workshop to share traditional Appalachian style pottery. Perfect for a school located in Western North Carolina! And all of our face pots will end up in our Manabigama kiln! Can’t wait to share those photos!

Enjoy the slideshow of the workshop!

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Spend a Week in the Smokies with Pottery!

A local Western North Carolina Inn is advertising some wonderful artistic retreats, including one for Pincu Pottery!

The Hemlock Inn, a beautiful place to spend a week in the Great Smoky National Park, is suggesting a stay during Sept. 12-17.  During your stay, come take a class at Pincu Pottery!

While here, choose a watercolor painting master-class with Elizabeth Ellison for part of the week!

Hemlock Inn, Bryson City

Hemlock Inn - Bryson City, North Carolina