The Porch Potters name comes honestly. Mandy Huffman and Freddie Phillips do most of their work on the porch. Situated on land once part of a 30,000 acres tract owned by the Miller family of Rutherford County, their studio is a building—with a wrap-around porch—Freddie built to mimic the general store that once sat on the property. The pottery itself is shown in a gallery building on the spot that once was an 1895 post office. The rest of the property features numerous buildings, pergolas and gardens as well for visitors to enjoy. The most distinct feature of the property is an 1860s Victorian historic home that sits on over 3 acres.
With a background in painting, things changed for Mandy Huffman when she took a course in pottery. She is trained in exercise science, and one of the first outlets for her pottery was set of awards for a 5k run she organized. Freddie, inspired by Mandy’s work, bought a wheel and learned the fundamentals by studying YouTube videos. Their work is distinct for its color and life-life sculptural elements and is a combination of wheel thrown and hand-built ceramics. The pieces are made up of sculptural elements that mimic the fauna and flora of our region.
Freddie turns the vessels and Mandy sculpts and glazes. Visitors can view the entire process of greenware, bisqueware, glazing, and firing. The Porch Potters specialize in commissions and offer customers the chance to pick out an unfinished piece and choose their own colors.
Open by Appointment
