Nation's first Folk Pottery Museum captivates visitors…Large crowds view exhibits including Smithsonian, Dave Pottery loans

SAUTEE NACOOCHEE, Ga., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The nation's first and only folk pottery museum has far exceeded estimates for attendance after only its first full month of operation.

Hundreds of impressed visitors from throughout Georgia and as far away as Alaska, Colorado, California and Sicily have recorded numerous favorable comments about the new museum.

"Visionary - great history and fantastic education," said Allan Goldman, of Atlanta.

Well-known among pottery collectors for its ongoing 19th century-tradition of ash- and lime-glazed stoneware, Northeast Georgia is home to noted multi- generational potter families such as Meaders, Hewell, Dorsey and Ferguson.

The Folk Pottery Museum's collection includes more than 200 pieces dated from the 1840s to modern day, with around 160 pieces currently displayed.

On loan from Levon and Elmaise Register are works from South Carolina's Edgefield district, including a large jar by Dave. A 19th century slave, respected artisan and poet, Dave's work reflects the folk pottery style commonly found in Edgefield, S.C.

Also on loan is a Mississippian earthenware bowl (circa 1400 A.D., excavated at the nearby Nacoochee American Indian Mound) from the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian.

Dr. John Burrison, the museum's curator, is a Georgia State University folklorist and author of "Brothers in Clay: The Story of Georgia Folk Pottery." Co-curator is popular Northeast Georgia folk potter Michael Crocker.

"There is a living, thriving folk pottery tradition in Northeast Georgia that is deeply rooted," said Chris Brooks, museum director. "Our museum interprets the artistic and historical aspects of this heritage."

Made possible through a gift from Dean and Kay Swanson, the museum is located on the Sautee-Nacoochee Center campus. Just four miles from Helen, Ga., it is a two-hour drive from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Museum hours: Monday - Friday, 10 am to 5 pm; Saturday - Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Check major public holidays hours at www.FolkPotteryMuseum.com or call (706) 878-3300. Admission: $4, adults; $2, children/seniors.

About the Dave loan:

The Dave pottery piece, along with other decorated antebellum Edgefield pottery, is on special loan from Levon and Elmaise Register.

About the Smithsonian loan:

The American Indian pottery piece is on special loan from the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian.