Maryland’s First Pottery Trail
South Mountain is brimming with professional artists of all mediums, and many live very quiet lives in this region which is just 60 miles from Washington, DC and Baltimore. I wanted to learn more about the artists and their work and decided to pick one art form and dive deeper into it; to learn more about that particular art and the artists who are creating it. I selected pottery as the medium to focus my lens on. And, more specifically, a pottery trail. There is only one such thing in Maryland: the Washington County, Maryland Pottery Trail (The Pottery Trail). It is one of just three pottery trails in the eastern United States.
This is a special Feature Project. I will get to know each of the ten artists on the trail and I will create connections with the artists and share these connections with you. By sharing the artists and the art they create, you will be introduced to them and you will get to know the art that each loves to make and offer to the world. It is my hope that by getting to know them in this way, you will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to meet them yourself and form your own connection with the artists and the art that they create .
View from the southern terminus of South Mountain where it reaches the Potomac River at sunrise
Following the pottery trail with me will also lead you through the natural beauty of Washington County and the southeastern corridor of South Mountain. You will drive through picturesque countryside, rolling hills, and quaint small towns, all while enjoying the crisp country air. Along the way, You can stop at local cafes, restaurants, and shops, all offering a taste of local flavor.
Potter Kirk Martin standing in his studio, M4 Gallery
About the Pottery Trail
The Pottery Trail began in July 2022. Formed by Kirk Martin working with Visit Hagerstown. Kirke rounded up artists with galleries eager to share their work in this new way. So, during this project, we will also work with Visit Hagerstown and Washington County, Maryland Convention and Visitors Bureau to raise awareness of potters in the region, specifically for the Pottery Trail. Some common threads bind most of these artists together besides just making pottery. I look forward to sharing this and more with you as these articles unfold.
The trail is located in Washington County, Maryland, which is renowned for its rich clay deposits that have been used in both pottery and brickmaking and is still quarried for pottery today. The county has a long history of pottery production, dating back to the mid-1700s, and today it is home to numerous master potters, many of whom have a global audience. The pottery trail has ten stops.
One of the highlights of the trail is the chance for you to meet the potters and in some instances even watch them work. You can see firsthand how the clay is transformed from “mud” into beautiful art pieces, and you will learn about the different techniques and styles used by the different artists. The potters are happy to answer questions and share their knowledge with you, making the experience educational, unique to any other kind of travel experience, and memorable.
The Pottery Trail also offers a unique opportunity to purchase pottery directly from the artists. Each stop on the trail has a gallery where You can browse a selection of unique and handmade pieces. Whether you are looking for functional pieces like bowls, plates, mugs, or decorative pieces like vases, lamps, sculptures, or wall hangings, there is something for everyone on the pottery trail.
Two long time customers and potter Allison Severance share lunch, good times, and beautiful pottery.
I hope you will enjoy getting to know each of the ten potters and the pottery they make. Visit their galleries and experience the rich diversity of the trail firsthand and find pieces of pottery that you make your own. And by all means, let them know that you learned about them here on South Mountain Journal, and let me know about your experiences. You can comment on the post, call or email me. Enjoy!
More Information on the Pottery Trail:
The Washington County Pottery Trail was developed and is promoted by Visit Hagerstown and Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Download the pottery trail map here.
