A Heritage of Pottery Making
Ms. Mona Lowe
The third weekend in May each year, Crawford County, Georgia holds a celebration to commemorate its legacy of hand-made pottery. Known as Georgia JugFest and Old Knoxville Days, the celebration was held this year on May 15.
Elaine Westbury, Georgia JugFest Chairwoman With Photo of Hall of Fame Inductee Thomas Piles
Now I don’t know anything about pottery, but if it’s a festival, I’m there. So I drove to Crawford County for the fun and excitement and came away with a completely new perspective on festivals. Sure the usual festivities were there: food, crafts, old car show, antique tractor show and lots more. However, there was a real sense of purpose to this festival.
Charlie West Honored on Patron's Roll. Also Fired the Wood Kiln
The focus of the celebration was very real: paying homage to the Master Potters of this county. It was also a tribute to each potter’s individual traits and skills. Just as the old art masters’ (e.g. Picasso) work could be recognized by the brush strokes, the paint, or colors he used, it was the same with pottery craftsmen. As each potter handcrafted his wares, he used his hands a certain way or used a specific clay or glaze. Sometimes he would sign his work and sometimes he didn’t.
Pat Keller's Pottery Class
Crawford County is also known to have a clay that is unique and indigenous to the area. Many collectors seek to add to their collection pieces of pottery made in the 1800′s with Crawford County clay. It is easily identifiable when laboratory tested.
I had the privilege of attending the Georgia JugFest’s opening reception and Hall of Fame induction. The proud heritage was very evident in the room, as I heard more than once someone say, “This is our day.” Opening remarks were by Ms. Mona Lowe and then Elaine Westbury, the JugFest chairwoman. We were also treated to a pottery class by Ms. Pat Keller. WOW! The knowledge she has about the history and culture of the pottery masters would fill several volumes.
Antique Jug
The Georgia JugFest and Old Knoxville Days are sponsored by Roberta-Crawford County Chamber of Commerce and Crawford County Historical Society. Visit their websites to learn more. Other Related Stories and Sources:
