Tradition & Beyond

The artists of Blue Heron Clay are enrolled citizens of the Catawba Nation. Located along the banks of the Catawba river, which was named after the Catawba people, they have existed in this area of the Carolinas and created pottery dating back at least 6000 years. Learn more about the Catawba Nation and its tradition of Catawba pottery on the "About Catawba Pottery" page by clicking the link below.

The Catawba pottery tradition is passed down generation to generation. Bill Harris was taught by his grandmother, Georgia Harris, who received the National Endowment of the Arts award for her work in 1997. Bill feels an obligation to continue the teachings of Georgia and her grandmother Martha Jane. He has taught Elizabeth and Kent as well as others. Learn more about all the artists by visiting the "Meet the Artists" page.

Our pottery follows the traditional method of our ancestors, with clay dug from an ancient site. Catawba pottery is hand built from shaping to burnishing. The last step is most precarious as the piece is pit fired, thereby creating a truly unique finish. Blue Heron Clay artists work with traditional shapes of our ancestors but add innovation to each piece making it truly one of a kind. Please click below to visit "Our Work" to see more.