November 2 - 12, 2026 at the Athens Cotton Press
Open Daily 10AM - 4:30PM, with extended hours during special programs and lectures.
This exhibition brings together wood-fired pottery from private collections and hand-forged iron works - each shaped by skill, time, and a deep connection to this region. Special programming to take place throughout the week.
Wood-Fired Pottery from the Collections of Pat Shields & Janice Hall, and David & Linda Chesnut
Pat Shields & Janice Hall, longtime owners and operators of Georgia Mudcat Pottery in Danielsville, Georgia, have spent years exploring and celebrating the traditions of Southern pottery. Their particular interest in wood-fired pottery led them to study generations of potters throughout the Southeast, learning from established makers while developing a deeper understanding of the craft, its history, and its distinctive regional traditions.
Also featured will be wood-fired pottery from the private collection of David & Linda Chesnut, whose thoughtfully assembled collection reflects an appreciation for the artistry of Southern pottery. The Making Place exhibition will include works by potters such as Meaders, Ferguson, and Dean, celebrating the makers and traditions that have shaped Southern pottery across generations.
Tree of Life Sculpture - In this video Patrick Blount documents the building of “The Tree of Life” Sculpture. This was built for the chapel at Northside Hospital in Lawrenceville, GA.
Hand Forged Iron Works by Patrick G. Blount
Patrick G. Blount is an artist and architectural blacksmith whose work brings together traditional forging techniques, thoughtful design, and exceptional craftsmanship. A graduate of the Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing, Blount is a certified artist blacksmith and an ABANA National Curriculum Certified Level I Instructor, sharing his knowledge of the craft while continuing an active studio practice. His hand-forged ironwork reflects a deep respect for the traditions of blacksmithing while demonstrating the possibilities of the medium in contemporary design. The Making Place exhibition will feature a selection of Blount’s work, highlighting the skill, artistry, and enduring relevance of this historic craft.
Website: Greenhow Handmade Ironworks
The Pottery of David Drake
Six works by David Drake, the South Carolina potter and poet whose surviving vessels are known for their skillful craftsmanship and occasional inscriptions, will be on loan from the Washington Historical Museum for the Making Place exhibit. Museum Director Stephanie Macchia will give a detailed talk about David Drake at the Athens Cotton Press on November 6.
David Drake, also known as Dave the Potter, was an enslaved African American potter who worked in South Carolina’s Edgefield District during the 19th century. He became known for his skillful stoneware, and some of his surviving vessels bear his signature, dates, and original verses.
Making Place Events Calendar
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Gallery + Trade Room Opening
Mon., Nov. 2, 2026
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Admission is free
Join us for the opening of the Gallery + Trade Room and the official start of a week celebrating craft, material culture, preservation, and the people who keep these traditions alive.
Enjoy a cash bar, light bites, and music while getting the first look at the exhibition and works available in the Trade Room.
Come early, stay awhile, and help us kick off the week.
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Kids “Face Jug” Mug Workshop
with Instructor Erin Morris
Wed., Nov. 4, 2026
5:00 - 6:30pm
Cost: $40
A hands-on introduction to one of the South’s most recognizable pottery traditions.
Young makers will learn about the history and character of face jugs before creating one of their own. This workshop is designed to be fun, creative, and approachable — no pottery experience needed.
Each participant will complete a piece that is entirely their own and leave with a better understanding of the craft and traditions behind it.
Finished pieces will be ready for pick up the following week.
Ages: 5-8 with caregiver, 8 and up
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Adult “Face Jug” Mug Workshop
with Instructor Erin Morris
Thursday, November 5
5:30 - 7:30pm
Cost: $65
Get your hands in the clay and experience the tradition of Southern face jugs for yourself.
This adult workshop explores the history, personality, and craftsmanship behind these distinctive forms before participants create their own face jug MUG. Whether your finished piece is traditional, strange, funny, or completely unexpected is up to you.
No prior pottery experience is required.
Finished pieces will be ready the following week.
Light bites and cash bar available for purchase.
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Pat Shields Gallery Talk, & A Special Viewing of David Drake Pottery
Fri., Nov. 6, 2026
2:00 - 4:00pm
Admission is Free
Collector Pat Shields will lead a gallery talk on wood-fired pottery and the stories behind the works on exhibit.
For one afternoon only, visitors can view six works of pottery by David Drake, on loan from the Washington Historical Museum, and hear museum director Stephanie Macchia speak about his remarkable work.
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Closing Celebration
Thurs., Nov. 12, 2026
6:00 - 8:00pm
Adults: $15
Children 10 & Under: FreeOne last night to see it all.
Join us for the closing celebration of the Gallery + Trade Room featuring live music from The Georgia Mudcats, a food truck, pottery for sale, and your final opportunity to experience the Making Place exhibition before it closes.
Come for the music, grab something to eat, take another look through the gallery, and maybe take a piece of pottery home with you.
Food and beverages available for purchase.
Collaborate with Us!
We seek to collaborate with community organizations whose programs and initiatives align with the mission and vision of Making Place. If you have an idea, program, exhibition, or event you would like to bring to the Athens Cotton Press and are interested in working with us, we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out and a member of the Artful Hands team will be in touch soon.
Location
Making Place exhibition and programs take place at the Athens Cotton Press, located at 149 Oneta Street in the historic Chase Park Warehouses, just about a mile from downtown Athens and a short walk from the Boulevard neighborhood. The restored early-1900s industrial space offers convenient on-site parking and easy access to the heart of Athens.
Athens Cotton Press, 149 Oneta Street, Athens GA 30601