2025 Date: Saturday, November 29, 10am – 4pm
Each year, the folks at Traditions Pottery Studio, just south of Blowing Rock, host a special event they call the Thanksgiving Wood-fired Kiln Opening. Always on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, it has become a major day for pottery collectors and fans of traditional Appalachian pieces. Guests are encouraged to be present at 10am to watch the items being taken from the kiln and then make their selection.
Most of the ceramics and pottery at Traditions Studio is fired in electric kilns, but twice a year, the old wood-fired kiln is used to create special items. At this year’s Thanksgiving opening, Lula Owens Bolick will have several traditional style face jugs, swirl mugs and vases. Glenn will have swirl vases and pitchers. Michael Calhoun of Traditions Pottery will have a large selection of face jugs including Santas, Wizards, Clay Spirits, and candle holders with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Janet Bolick Calhoun will have butter domes, trees, teapots, and vases. Plus, you can find the highly-collectible Owens Red pottery in the studio shop. The Sales Cabin will be open till 4pm and there you can find a wide selection of mugs, bowls, pie plates, serving piece and more. Snowman lanterns, porcelain ornaments and planters will also be available.
“We wanted to offer wood-fired items for unique Christmas gifts. It’s been successful, and we’ve been doing it for over 20 years,” potter Janet Calhoun says of the event. And there’s so much more to check out with the guest artists’ work, too!
The featured Guest Artist again this year will be Kaylee Eggers with Twelve 2 Pottery. She will have sculpted Nativity sets and functional wares. JoAnn Miller will be showing her handcrafted baskets and Sonya Cook will have woodworks including charcuterie boards, Christmas décor and coasters.
Be present by 10am to see the kiln unloaded and get first pick of items you’d like to purchase. Items go fast, so don’t be late!
There is no admission charged for the Opening event. Shops at the studio offer even more hand-made items. To get to the studio, travel south of Blowing Rock 3 miles down Hwy 321 and take a left onto Blackberry Road. Bolick Road is about a half mile on the right, and you’ll find the festivities ahead on the left. The studio is open daily.
Traditions Pottery is owned and operated by a family of potters, originating from Original Owens Pottery in Seagrove, NC. Lula Owens Bolick is a 5th generation potter from the Owens Family. Janet (Lula’s daughter) is a 6th generation potter. Together, with their husbands, Glenn Bolick and Michael Calhoun, they produce shapes that have been in their family for more than 190 years. Each potter also has their own designs and techniques. See more about Traditions Studio on their website.
See more holiday events and activities on our Holidays in Blowing Rock page!
