Sue Salvaterra Hintz was working as a higher education administrator and raising a small child when she knew that it was time to make a change. That change was inspired by a pottery class she took at UNC-Asheville. That single class turned into three and a half years of study that gave her the opening she was looking for. Sue took the leap and started working full-time as a potter. Her only regret is that she didn’t take the plunge sooner.
Sue’s husband, Randy Hintz, is a retired civil engineer with a keen sense of design and a focus on detail. When Sue opened Salvaterra Pottery, Randy started woodworking, building displays for her galleries and art shows. With increasing demand for his woodwork, Randy formally retired as a civil engineer and made the transition to woodworking full-time in May of 2021. Randy relies on the rustic nature of the wood, often utilizing live edge materials and striving to accentuate the individual character of each piece. Typical wood species utilized include ambrosia maple, red oak, white oak, cherry, mahogany, sycamore, and walnut. With these woods, Refined Rustic Woodworks designs handcrafted items such as furniture, wall hangings, home decor, and accessories for the home.
Sue started Salvaterra Pottery more than two decades ago, working in her basement with no heat or air conditioning. Their family moved into four different houses to accommodate the growing demand for her pottery. As more galleries picked up her work, she started selling at fewer shows. In 2017, Salvaterra Pottery moved into its current 2500 square foot facility not far from downtown Weaverville.
In December, 2022 Sue and Randy decided to merge their businesses and collectively formed a new business named Salvaterra Pottery and Woodworks. Salvaterra Pottery & Woodworks produces pottery and woodwork for everyday use. Four standard glaze combinations adorn dinnerware, lamps, mugs, urns, cabinet knobs, tiles, custom logo mugs and more. In the true spirit of partnership, Sue and Randy merge ceramics and wood with original pieces including mirrors, serving trays, live edge vanities, and vessel sinks.
Hours: Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday 11 am-3 pm
