The Dan River Basin has been associated with pottery since well before European settlers arrived.
Distinctive pottery has been found along both the North Carolina and Virginia sides of the state line that dates back to A.D. 1000 – 1450, when a significant population of Eastern Siouan (Eastern Blackfoot Indians) Native Americans lived in the region.
A distinctive style of pottery known as the Dan River series was first documented by scientists in 1952 from potsherds recovered during test excavations at Lower Saratown. The pottery is distinguished by compact, sandy paste that is tempered with sub-angular quartz particles and fine to medium sand.
Today, potters continue to thrive in the Dan River Basin, and on Saturday, June 2, they will gather in beautiful Eden, North Carolina, for the 16th annual Piedmont Pottery Festival. More than 100 artisanal potters from North Carolina and Virginia will gather to showcase the finest in handcrafted pottery. The festival will include demonstrations, door prizes, and of course a variety of pottery styles and handcrafted items.
The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kingsway Plaza Shopping Center, 200 W Kings Highway, Eden, NC 27288.
For more information, visit www.ExploreEdenNC.com or contact Cindy Adams at the City of Eden Tourism & Special Events at 336.612.8049 or cadams@edennc.us.