Meet the artists

 Bill learned how to make Catawba pottery from his grandmother, Georgia Harris, in his 20’s. Georgia is one of the most well known Catawba potters. Due to her attention to detail and her creativity, she pushed the practice from utilitarian to true art. Her pottery career culminated when she received the National Endowment of the Art award for her work in 1997.

Bill began regularly making Catawba pottery about 20 years ago. You can see his grandmothers influence in his work, but he also has many signature pieces. He is the only Catawba artist who has been adding bird effigies to his work most notably the heron. In 2016, Bill was awarded the Jean Laney Harris folk heritage award from the SC Arts Commission for his work. He has served as Artist in Residence at the USCL Native American Studies Center.

When creating pottery from the same clay that his grandmother used and her grandmother before her, Bill feels a deep connection to those that came before him. When he places his hands in clay, he sees his grandmothers hands. In addition to creating Catawba pottery, Bill feels that teaching other Catawbas is very important. He is an ambassador to share the art with anyone who is interested. He teaches classes at our Cultural Center, youth programs, and has several students that he is mentoring. 

Elizabeth had an interest in learning Catawba pottery as a teen and hoped to be taught by her grandmother, Peggy Harris. Unfortunately time didn’t allow that to happen, but she was later able to take several classes from skilled Catawba potters. Her first class was taught by Monty Branham at the Catawba Senior Center. Her interest grew and she took additional classes taught by Keith Brown and Caroleen Sanders at the Cultural Center. It was great to see the similarities and differences in how each artist approached the craft. 

Elizabeth knew that in order to improve, she needed to find a teacher that could spend time mentoring her on a regular basis. In late 2018, she began her classes with Bill Harris. Since that time she has been building her skills and working closely with her teacher to learn the traditional shapes and practices while stretching the craft to modern day artistry. Elizabeth feels a deep connection to her heritage when working in clay and a desire to continue the tradition by teaching others.  

 Kent is starting his journey as a Catawba potter. He is apprenticing under his aunt Elizabeth Harris and Master Potter Bill Harris. He started attending pottery classes in July 2023. He shows incredible talent and a passion to carry on the tradition of Catawba pottery. He is currently a student at Fort Mill High school. In addition to learning Catawba pottery, Kent has a passion for music and plays guitar.