• 9^th year and counting
• Tour 7 locations
• Over 20 clay artists

The Heritage Trail Pottery Tour and Sale will be holding its 9^th annual event on Saturday, April 25 from 10-5, and Sunday, April 26 from 12-4.  This fun and fascinating event will feature seven studios and over 20 clay artists in Greenwood and Edgefield Counties.

South Carolina has a captivating history of the production of pottery, due to the abundance of clay and kaolin (a special white clay).  Much of the early pottery was made by slaves and is highly collectible today.

In 2006, Piedmont Technical College of Greenwood helped regenerate local interest by starting a pottery program at their Edgefield Campus.  Although the program closed, its influence has had a lasting effect.  Several of its former students have developed their own businesses in both Edgefield and Greenwood Counties.  Fired by the desire to conserve and promote this locally significant art form, as well as a mutual professional respect and strong friendships, these artists still network and preserve those ties.  Several other clay artists have also joined in more recent years.    

The diversity of techniques and styles between the artists is striking.  Some prefer the traditional, others contemporary.  There is beautiful and functional dishware, vases, urns, jewelry, whimsical sculptures, and much more. “They are wonderful sources for special, timeless gifts, or for your own unique collection”, said Lucia Hodge of Greenwood, volunteer at the Johnston location. 

The Heritage Trail Pottery Tour and Sale is just once a year, and includes demonstrations, refreshments, drawings for prizes, and is free to the public.