Traditions Pottery on Main Street in Blowing Rock offers a vast array of handmade pottery and products, but what truly sets it apart is the legacy that comes with it. Founded by Michael and Janet Calhoun in 1992, Traditions Pottery brings six generations of pottery knowledge to each piece that comes out of their groundhog and electric kilns. Janet, a 2020 recipient of the Folk Traditional Arts Master Artist Fellowship from South Arts, has been making pottery since she was five, having learned from her mother, Lula Owens Bolick of the Owens family of Seagrove, NC, and her father, NC Heritage Award winner along with Lula, Glenn Bolick. Michael started making pottery after his marriage to Janet in 1987. Traditions Pottery crafts functional, folk art, and decorative pottery. Janet continues to produce shapes that have been in her family since the 19th century, and Michael is known for his sculpting of face jugs and other unique forms of pottery.
Along with Traditions’ own pottery, the retail shop features handmade items including jewelry, wall art, soaps, lotions, honeys, clothing, and candles from local artists and crafters. The store itself is full of rustic charm, reflecting the earthen nature of product and production. Traditions’ slogan, “Everyday pottery by everyday potters…for six generations,” is evident in the variety of pottery offered. Available for purchase are face jugs, dinnerware, honey pots, Rebecca pitchers, and more.
Hours
Open Daily 10:00AM-6:00PM