Ceramics Monthly: In the March 2024 issue of Ceramics Monthly, Lori Theriault described The Village Potters Clay Center (TVPCC) as a vibrant group of ceramic artists working in a sprawling space that allowed for private studios, classes, and community events. Hurricane Helene devastated the River Arts District of Asheville, North Carolina, where the center and many ceramic artists call home. What does rebuilding look like for TVPCC?
Judi Harwood: On Friday, September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene struck with devastating force, flooding our cherished 14,000-square-foot facility, leaving it under 241/2 feet of water. Our resident studios, teaching studios, gallery, and clay company all suffered profound losses. While we were heartbroken, our commitment to rebuilding was steadfast. Two days after the waters receded, we resolved to rise again.
We are searching for a new, larger space to rebuild. Our hope is to create a dynamic destination for arts education that can support our vision and the dreams of other displaced artists who want to join us. However, Asheville’s commercial property, outside the floodplain, is expensive, up to three times what we previously paid. We are determined though, and diligently searching.
Our focus is fourfold: serving area potters by continuing to supply Laguna clays, fundraising, restoring equipment, and finding a new facility. Although we had some flood insurance, coverage was minimal. The loving support we receive from the community is our most sustaining resource, nurturing hope with each step.
CM: How has community—both immediate and far-reaching—impacted how the center has responded to the devastation and aftermath of the hurricane and flooding?
JH: TVPCC is a vibrant community of resident potters, staff, students, incubator studios, and workshop participants. This community embodies the passion and resilience that keeps us going. The broader artist community in Asheville has rallied, sharing workspace, tools, and encouragement. Asheville itself, with neighbors lending hands, supplies, and sharing kind words, has renewed our love for this city. From across the country, artists and supporters have donated time and resources, proving the strength of this community. Their kindness motivates us daily.
In 2025, Sarah Wells Rolland, co-founder of The Village Potters, with her husband George, will travel to demonstrate her pottery techniques and share our story and the resilience that defines our journey. We are deeply grateful to everyone who is supporting us. We invite you to join us in rebuilding The Village Potters Clay Center as we rise above this disaster and bring the studio back to life as one of the premier ceramics education centers in the nation. Please visit www.thevillagepotters.com or reach out to info@thevillagepotters.com for more information.
We understand your email address is private. You will receive emails and newsletters from Ceramic Arts Network. We will never share your information except as outlined in our privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
You have read of of your complimentary articles for the month.
For unlimited access to Ceramics Monthly premium content, subscribe right now for as low as $4.85/month.
We understand your email address is private. You will receive emails and newsletters from Ceramic Arts Network. We will never share your information except as outlined in our privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Subscribe to Ceramics Monthly
Ceramics Monthly: In the March 2024 issue of Ceramics Monthly, Lori Theriault described The Village Potters Clay Center (TVPCC) as a vibrant group of ceramic artists working in a sprawling space that allowed for private studios, classes, and community events. Hurricane Helene devastated the River Arts District of Asheville, North Carolina, where the center and many ceramic artists call home. What does rebuilding look like for TVPCC?
Judi Harwood: On Friday, September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene struck with devastating force, flooding our cherished 14,000-square-foot facility, leaving it under 241/2 feet of water. Our resident studios, teaching studios, gallery, and clay company all suffered profound losses. While we were heartbroken, our commitment to rebuilding was steadfast. Two days after the waters receded, we resolved to rise again.
We are searching for a new, larger space to rebuild. Our hope is to create a dynamic destination for arts education that can support our vision and the dreams of other displaced artists who want to join us. However, Asheville’s commercial property, outside the floodplain, is expensive, up to three times what we previously paid. We are determined though, and diligently searching.
Our focus is fourfold: serving area potters by continuing to supply Laguna clays, fundraising, restoring equipment, and finding a new facility. Although we had some flood insurance, coverage was minimal. The loving support we receive from the community is our most sustaining resource, nurturing hope with each step.
CM: How has community—both immediate and far-reaching—impacted how the center has responded to the devastation and aftermath of the hurricane and flooding?
JH: TVPCC is a vibrant community of resident potters, staff, students, incubator studios, and workshop participants. This community embodies the passion and resilience that keeps us going. The broader artist community in Asheville has rallied, sharing workspace, tools, and encouragement. Asheville itself, with neighbors lending hands, supplies, and sharing kind words, has renewed our love for this city. From across the country, artists and supporters have donated time and resources, proving the strength of this community. Their kindness motivates us daily.
In 2025, Sarah Wells Rolland, co-founder of The Village Potters, with her husband George, will travel to demonstrate her pottery techniques and share our story and the resilience that defines our journey. We are deeply grateful to everyone who is supporting us. We invite you to join us in rebuilding The Village Potters Clay Center as we rise above this disaster and bring the studio back to life as one of the premier ceramics education centers in the nation. Please visit www.thevillagepotters.com or reach out to info@thevillagepotters.com for more information.
Unfamiliar with any terms in this article? Browse our glossary of pottery terms!
Click the cover image to return to the Table of Contents