“Mark of the Potter” Celebrates 50 years of American Made Pottery
North Georgia family business marks Golden Anniversary with a weekend of events
Clarksville, GA – Live entertainment, local food delicacies and one-of-a-kind anniversary giveaways will mark the Golden Anniversary of “Mark of the Potter,” a Clarksville business that’s been in continuous operation since 1969. Considered the oldest running pottery shop in the state of Georgia, it’s located in the Old Grandpa Watt’s
Grist Mill, built in the early 1930s, at 9982 Highway 197, North Clarkesville, GA, 30523. Highway 197 is also known as "The Old Moonshine Highway." Celebrations for the 50th anniversary will take place the weekend of May 4-5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is free and all ages are welcome to join in the fun.
Since the doors opened in 1969, potters at this family-run shop have been creating one of-a-kind, fun and functional pottery pieces. Each handmade piece carries the individual signature, or “mark,” of the potter that creates it. A unique stamp has been created especially for the Golden Anniversary and will mark an exclusive limited-number of pieces to be sold in 2019. This special collection will launch during the anniversary
celebration and includes mugs, birdhouses, plates and magnets. Pieces start at $4.99.
“Our vision for Mark of the Potter is to continue the long tradition of promoting and elevating American made pottery, and to support the arts and our local potters by using locally sourced products and talent,” says current owner, Chadwick Peck.
“North Georgia roots run deep and I’m proud of the high quality and signature style that my family has created in this beautiful setting where other families have established traditions as well,” adds Peck, who looks forward to greeting visitors from near and far during the anniversary weekend.
Local and out of state families have built traditions with yearly visits to Mark of the Potter to buy high quality pottery pieces, while enjoying the area’s rich history and natural beauty. The shop itself sits on the edge of the Soque River and visitors feed the huge trout that swim in its clean running waters. It is prohibited to fish in this private part of the Soque River, but the large happy trout eagerly await treats thrown from the store deck.
The 2-acre site also includes a pottery studio and large gas kiln. The gallery is located in the Old Grandpa Watt’s Mill; down below in the basement of the building is a beautiful spring-fed waterfall that is a preferred selfie setting for all guests. Other parts of the Soque River are known for having some of the finest fly-fishing spots in the nation. Matt Henderson, who has spent 38 years working at Mark of the Potter, says the area helps inspire his work. “The beauty of this region is exceptional and you can see the personality of North Georgia in our pottery. It’s an eclectic blend that includes quirky faced mugs, captivating color patterns and plates so beautiful that you won’t know whether to eat off them or hang them on the wall,” says Henderson.
Directions from Atlanta:
Take 285N to I-85N to 985-N Lanier Pkwy, follow signs for Gainesville
Continue onto US-23 N
Turn left onto Demorest Mt Airy Hwy
Turn right onto Central Ave/Old Historic U.S.441 N
Continue straight onto Old Historic U.S.441 N/Washington St
Turn left onto GA-197 N/Bridge St
Mark of the Potter, 9982 GA-197, Clarkesville, GA 30523 on the right
For more information or questions regarding the celebration or otherwise:
maria@markofthepotter.com or 404-717-2282