Business Details
42 Years
experience
Handcrafted Stoneware Pottery in Old Fort, NC
Turtle Island Pottery has been crafting handcrafted stoneware pottery in Old Fort, NC since 1984. Founded by Maggie and Freeman Jones, our work blends functional and decorative art inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and Art Nouveau organic motifs. We emphasize the golden proportions and Fibonacci sequences in nature, creating elegant wheel-thrown forms with bold color combinations and whimsical adornments. Our studio, located 2.5 miles south of I-40 Exit 73, features a showroom open by appointment and collaborates with Arrowhead Gallery for special projects.Despite challenges from Hurricane Helene, we continue innovating with wild clays and exploring new creative possibilities. Our daughter, Molly Morningglory, manages the clay studio at Arrowhead Gallery, ensuring our legacy continues through collaborative artistry and community engagement.
Services
Functional Stoneware
Sculptural Art
Decorative Ceramics
Custom Commissions
Gallery Exhibits
Studio Tours
Wild Clay Exploration
Art Nouveau Inspired Designs
Golden Proportion Pottery
Arrowhead Gallery Collaborations
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- Creating handcrafted pottery since 1984 with organic design principles
- Collaborating with Arrowhead Gallery for expanded artistic opportunities
- Innovating with wild clays and sustainable material practices
- Offering exclusive one-of-a-kind pieces with intentional imperfections
- Maintaining resilience through post-Hurricane Helene recovery efforts
Services
Functional Stoneware
Handcrafted stoneware designed for daily use combines durability with artistic expression. Our dinnerware, mugs, and kitchen vessels feature organic motifs and intentional imperfections that celebrate handmade craftsmanship. Each piece balances practicality with aesthetic appeal through carefully considered proportions and textures.
Sculptural Art
One-of-a-kind sculptural pieces showcase our exploration of form and surface. From twisted face pitchers to decorative tureens, these works emphasize compound curves and natural patterns. Each sculpture embodies our philosophy of balancing symmetry with organic irregularity in ceramic art.
Custom Commissions
Tailored pottery solutions maintain our signature style while meeting specific needs. We work closely with clients to create unique pieces that reflect their preferences while preserving our artistic integrity. This service includes special dimensions, color combinations, and functional adaptations.
Gallery Exhibits
Curated exhibitions showcase our complete range of work at Arrowhead Gallery and private venues. These displays feature both established favorites and experimental pieces exploring wild clays. The exhibits provide opportunities for direct artist interaction and studio insights.
Studio Tours
Guided tours offer behind-the-scenes access to our creative process by appointment. Visitors observe ongoing projects and learn about our material sourcing practices. The tours highlight our recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene and current studio operations.
People
Maggie Jones
Lead Potter
Co-founder of Turtle Island Pottery with 40 years of ceramic artistry experience. Specializes in wild clay exploration and organic form development. Continues creating despite post-Hurricane Helene challenges while mentoring emerging artists.
Freeman Jones
Master Potter
Co-founder with expertise in stoneware techniques and kiln operations. Collaborates on design concepts and production methods. Maintains commitment to quality through evolving artistic challenges and studio transitions.
Molly Morningglory
Studio Manager
Manages Arrowhead Gallery's clay studio while coordinating family artistic projects. Facilitates special collaborations between Turtle Island Pottery and gallery initiatives. Supports continued creative development through shared resources.
Questions
How can I purchase Turtle Island Pottery pieces?
Visit our Arrowhead Gallery location in Old Fort, NC or contact us directly for available works. We provide photos and details about current inventory through email correspondence.
Do you create custom pottery pieces?
Yes, we accept custom commissions while maintaining our artistic integrity. Discuss specific requirements through email or during studio visits to create personalized ceramic solutions.
What inspires your pottery designs?
Our work draws from Arts and Crafts movement principles, Art Nouveau organic forms, and natural Fibonacci sequences. We emphasize golden proportions and intentional imperfections in every piece.
Can I visit the pottery studio?
Studio access is available by appointment only. Check announcements for occasional open studio events. The current space remains under development following hurricane recovery efforts.
What materials do you use?
We primarily work with stoneware clay, exploring wild clay sources as we did 56 years ago. Our materials emphasize natural textures and earthy compositions that reflect our environmental connection.
How does shipping work for purchased items?
All prices include shipping within the continental United States. We carefully package each piece for safe delivery and provide tracking information for all shipped orders.
