(0)The arts hold a long-standing presence in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Local artisans have been showcasing their handmade work for years. Before they began opening galleries and showrooms, many residents created art — particularly pottery — for more practical purposes. They needed the pieces for everyday use, whether bowls and plates or cups and water jugs. Today, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is home to many potters showcasing and selling their unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Along the scenic 8-mile loop (or Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail) of the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, you’ll find many galleries of local painters, basket weavers, wood carvers, quilt sewers, glass blowers, metal sculptors, candle makers, and of course — potters. Because the pottery is handmade, no 2 pieces are alike. So, no matter how many galleries you visit, you’ll find something different every time. Along with being truly beautiful, these pieces are often very functional. Many are safe for ovens, dishwashers, or microwaves, so they can be used for everyday tasks.
While you’re in Gatlinburg, be sure to stop by some of these local galleries and check out their fantastic creations. You can oftentimes watch the artists at work and can always browse and buy pieces to make a part of your home. Handmade pottery is also a wonderful and thoughtful gift for friends and family. Here are just a few of the local pottery galleries:
Alewine Pottery
Now a staple in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community and Gatlinburg as a whole, Alewine Pottery came to fruition after Robert Alewine made a pot in a college art class. He was immediately smitten with creating pottery, something not many people around him were doing at the time, and he began studying with noted potters. After working with Bob Munro, Lewis Snyder, and Charles Counts, Alewine headed to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to live out his dream.
Today, Alewine Pottery offers incredible handmade pottery, including bowls, baking dishes, mugs, oil lamps, and vases — all with his signature style. Many pieces are imprinted with leaf designs, and their colors reflect those found in the Great Smoky Mountains surrounding the workshop. Stop by to watch the master at work or to pick up some original pottery to take home.
623 Glades Road
Gatlinburg, TN
865.430.7828
www.alewinepottery.net
BrandyWine Pottery
Family owned and operated by potter Brandy and her husband, Jason, BrandyWine Pottery features one-of-a-kind pieces, including bowls, goblets, tea sets, vases, candleholders, and more. Brandy uses 4 to 8 glazes, sprayed and layered, to create her unique work. Each piece has a different color, texture, and design, offering guests something different each visit.
Brandy has been creating since right after high school, and when she moved to Gatlinburg to work on pottery full time, the store took off! Drop in to find some impressive pieces that may well become family heirlooms.
20 Buckhorn Road
Gatlinburg, TN
865.436.2800
www.brandywinepottery.wordpress.com
Smoky Mountain Pottery
Since 1988, Gay Ann and Dennis McAvoy have been making pottery in Gatlinburg. Offering a wide variety of functional and custom pottery with many different glazes, Smoky Mountain Pottery is one of the premier pottery places in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Glazes such as Azure, Snow on the Mountain, Slate, Dark Meadows, Mountain Mist, and Whispering Pine really set the look and style of their pottery apart. Give your kitchen a unique design with a silverware caddy, sugar jar, tea glass, spoon rest, or dinner plates that can’t be found anywhere else.
744 Powdermill Road
Gatlinburg, TN
865.436.4575
Judy Jones Pottery
Offering a personal experience and remarkable pottery, Judy Jones seeks to leave every guest with lasting memories. Every piece Judy makes is formed by hand, kiln fired, and hand glazed. Judy Jones Pottery never uses stencils, decals, or molds, so each piece of pottery is 100% authentic and handmade. While each piece is made to be beautiful, the pottery is also functional and lead free — as well as oven, dishwasher, and microwave safe!
These will be works of art you can use in your home for years to come. Among her collection are clocks, bowls, jars, coffee and tea cups, bird feeders, flower arrangers, hurricane lamps, fountains, and much more! Visit the shop to check out the pottery, baskets, and batik clothing for sale.
530 Buckhorn Road
Gatlinburg, TN
865.430.3472
www.judyjonespottery.com
Buie Pottery
Since 1982, Buie has been creating decorative and functional stoneware. In 1986, she opened her own gallery in Gatlinburg and has been impressing locals and visitors ever since. Stoneware at Buie Pottery is dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe, and it can be shipped anywhere in the continental U.S.! While you can order online, you’ll definitely want to stop by the gallery to see the work up close and personal. The wide range of colors — honey brown, cobalt, burgundy, turquoise, onyx, and more — creates a truly delightful display.
1360 East Parkway, Suite 1
Gatlinburg, TN
865.436.3504
www.buiepottery.com
Spend the day driving along the loop in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community and visit these local galleries. Between pottery shops, check out the wood carvings, leather goods, jewelry, local jams and spreads, and more from other local artisans. You can grab a bite to eat at one of the cafés, have an ice cream at the old-fashioned soda shop, and simply enjoy the scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains all around you.
To see an array of the local arts and crafts of the Smokies in one fell swoop, plan your next trip around Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas to attend the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts annual shows. Held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, these shows promote the heritage of the Smokies through unique artworks from the region. Take time to chat with the artists and choose a few pieces to take home as souvenirs.
After an artistic day out, call it a night at a secluded cabin in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. With inspirational mountain views and natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows, start working on your own creative creations at the perfect home away from home for YOU! Feel free to browse online or give us a call at 1.800.684.7865 with any questions you may have.