Stop 3

The Catawba Valley Pottery Center

Lincolnton and the Catawba Valley Pottery Center have become synonymous with the new Catawba Valley Tradition.  Potters travel from across the southeast and United States to participate in fellowship opportunities and educational sessions surrounding the traditional methods used to turn and fire Catawba Valley Pottery.  Classroom and studio space is available at the CVPC for apprentice potters and technique classes with instructors steeped in the Catawba Valley Tradition.

New potters settle in the Catawba Valley and set up new shops and kilns in an environment of collaboration and cooperation with other potters. The tradition is not only celebrated as history but also as a continuing influence on the culture and economy of the region.

A heritage trail was developed with various interpretive stations depicting the historic context of the Catawba Valley Tradition.  Sites include: Seagle Kiln archeological site, Reinhardt-Craig House, Kiln and Pottery Shop and others. Most of these remain in operation and in private hands with no harm to the sites.

The CVPC’s collection of pottery has grown to be the best in the southeast and the nation. Regular exhibitions highlight differing aspects of the tradition as well as compare and contrast the similarities and differences with other pottery traditions.  The retail area of the Center has spawned new retail galleries and other artist studios in downtown Lincolnton energizing the local economy and establishing downtown Lincolnton as a destination for pottery collectors and shoppers alike.