Making Place Exhibition and Programs Bring Southern Craft and Tradition to Athens

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Cindy Lou Farley
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info@artfulhands.org
678-699-3585

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Making Place Exhibition and Programs Bring Southern Craft and Tradition to Athens

Exhibition runs November 2-12, 2026, at the Athens Cotton Press

ATHENS, Ga. - Southern pottery, hand-forged ironwork, and the people who carry these traditions forward will take center stage at Making Place, an exhibition and series of programs at the Athens Cotton Press, November 2-12, 2026. The exhibition will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours for special programs and lectures.

Bringing together wood-fired pottery from private collections and hand-forged ironwork, Making Place celebrates objects shaped by skill, time, and a deep connection to this region. Special events throughout the week invite visitors to explore the work, hear the stories behind it, and try their hand at a Southern pottery tradition.

The pottery exhibition features works from the collections of Pat Shields and Janice Hall, longtime owners and operators of Georgia Mudcat Pottery in Danielsville, and David and Linda Chesnut. Shields and Hall have spent years exploring Southern pottery, with a particular interest in wood firing. Their study of potters across the Southeast has deepened their understanding of the craft, its history, and its regional traditions. The Chesnuts’ collection reflects a similar appreciation for the artistry of Southern pottery. Works by potters including Meaders, Ferguson, and Dean will celebrate makers who have shaped the tradition across generations.

The exhibition also features work by Patrick G. Blount, an artist and architectural blacksmith. A graduate of the Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing, Blount is a certified artist blacksmith and an ABANA National Curriculum Certified Level I Instructor. His work combines traditional forging techniques with thoughtful design, honoring the history of blacksmithing while showing its possibilities in contemporary settings.

Special Programs

Gallery + Trade Room Opening
Monday, November 2 | 6-8 p.m. | Free admission
Celebrate the opening of the Gallery + Trade Room and the start of a week focused on craft, material culture, preservation, and the people who keep traditions alive. Enjoy music, light bites, and a cash bar while getting a first look at the exhibition and works available in the Trade Room.

Kids “Face Jug” Mug Workshop with Erin Morris

Wednesday, November 4 | 5-6:30 p.m. | $40
Young makers will learn about the history and character of Southern face jugs, and then create a mug of their own. No pottery experience is needed. Ages 5-8 attend with a caregiver; participants ages 8 and up may attend on their own. Finished pieces will be ready for pickup the following week.

Adult “Face Jug” Mug Workshop with Erin Morris

Thursday, November 5 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | $65
Participants will explore the history and craftsmanship of Southern face jugs before shaping a face jug mug of their own. The finished piece can be traditional, funny, strange, or entirely unexpected. No prior pottery experience is required. Finished pieces will be ready the following week. Light bites and a cash bar will be available for purchase.

Pat Shields Gallery Talk and Special Viewing of David Drake Pottery
Friday, November 6 | 2-4 p.m. | Free admission
Collector Pat Shields will lead a gallery talk on wood-fired pottery and the stories behind the works on view. For one afternoon only, visitors can see six works by David Drake, on loan from the Washington Historical Museum, and hear museum director Stephanie Macchia speak about the remarkable potter and his work.

Closing Celebration
Thursday, November 12 | 6-8 p.m. | Adults $15; children 10 and under free
Celebrate the final night of Making Place with live music from The Georgia Mudcats, a food truck, pottery for sale, and one last opportunity to explore the exhibition. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

EVENT INFORMATION: Making Place Exhibition and Programs, November 2-12, 2026 in Athens, Georgia. Exhibition and program location: Athens Cotton Press, 149 Oneta St in Athens. Registration and additional program information are available at [artfulhands.org]artfulhands.org.