November 2 - 8, 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 & Janice Shields, and David & Linda Chestnut
Pat and Janice Shields, 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 and Linda Chestnut, 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
Making Place Events Calendar
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Making Place Exhibition Opening Reception
Mon., Nov. 2, 2026
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Join us for the opening reception of Making Place at the Athens Cotton Press, celebrating the collectors, artists, makers, and traditions represented throughout the exhibition. Enjoy an evening exploring the exhibition, connecting with fellow guests, and discovering works that reflect the enduring relationship between craft, design, and place. Refreshments will be served.
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To Be Announced
TBD
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To Be Announced
TBD
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