Finding Creativity Along the Mississippi Pottery Trail

From potters who are creating fine art sculptures to those who make everyday items beautiful to artists inspired by the unique texture and quality of the Delta clay, the Mississippi Pottery Trail is a fascinating exploration of the range of art available in the Magnolia State.

Whether you want to grab your girlfriends and hit a few spots in a day, or you want to plan a multi-day road trip all the way from Ocean Springs, up through Hattiesburg, over to Oxford, and ending in Pontotoc, with a few more stops along the way, the Pottery Trail is a unique way to experience the Mississippi and learn about the talented people who call this place home.

And, if you want to see some of these potters, as well as artists from across Mississippi and the South, all in one place, mark your calendar for the upcoming 2023 Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival. Held annually in Ocean Springs, this year’s festival is November 4-5.

Shearwater Pottery

102 Shearwater Dr, Ocean Springs, MS
More info: shearwaterpottery.com

Founded in 1928 by Peter Anderson of the Peter Anderson Arts & Craft Festival, Shearwater Pottery features pieces made from both ball clay, which is used to create cast pieces that are hand painted or originally decorated, and buff bodied clay. Buff bodied clay is the local Mississippi clay and this is often used for thrown pieces that are glazed with a distinctive Shearwater glaze. Today, the studio is still run by the Anderson family, with three of Peter’s children creating some of the pottery you’ll see when you visit.

Vixon Sullivan

Hattiesburg, MS
More info: vixonsullivan.com

Vixon Sullivan, who has been featured on Hometown, creates stunning works of art that are often functional as everyday pieces. You can pick up a pair of magnolia earrings, a succulent box, or a striking glazed espresso mug. Every detail in these handmade pieces feels special, and his pieces are refreshingly relevant. Sullivan shows that pottery has a place in daily life and he’s leading the next generation with his work.

Pickenpaugh Pottery

2034 Main St, Madison, MS 39110
More info: instagram.com/pickenpaughpottery

For over forty years, Pickenpaugh Pottery has been crafting charming pottery that shows off the most vibrant colors and whimsical shapes of the natural world. Bouquets of friendly flowers, quirky mushrooms, and darling butterflies fill their gallery of handcrafted pieces. Many of their designs are made to be used indoors or out, so you can decorate your garden with flowers that don’t require a green thumb.

Wolfe Birds

4308 Old Canton Rd, Jackson, MS
More info: wolfebirds.com

Wolfe Birds is know for their namesake birds, which are charming, rounded figurines in a gorgeous range of colors that rival those you’d find from Mother Nature herself. Amidst the flock, you’ll also come across nativity figures, fish, sheep, cats, rams, and lamb. These small slip cast figurines are each unique, and the molds were originally designed by Elizabeth (Bebe) Wolfe, who took over the studio from her parents. The studio has boasted some of the most talented Mississippi potters among their ranks since 1946, and collectors eagerly collect these distinctly different pieces.

McCarty’s Pottery

101 St Mary St, Merigold, MS 38759
More info: mccartyspottery.com

In 1954, Lee and Pup McCarty were given an offer to take over a mule barn, and they did. The two moved a kiln in and started what is now an internationally known and respected pottery studio. They’ve shown all over the world, including a three week tour in Japan, and McCarty’s Pottery was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters. McCarty’s signature glaze colors include nutmeg brown, cobalt blue, and jade, and most of their functional pieces, like dinnerware, platters, casserole dishes, and planters, feature a signature wavy black line. This is their nod to their home — it’s the Mississippi River in its most abstract form. Lee and Pup have both passed away now, but their legacy continues at McCarty’s through both their fine art and functional pottery.

Peter’s Pottery

301 Fortune Ave, Mound Bayou, MS 38762
More info: peterspottery.art

Peter’s Pottery considers pottery to be one of the many great things that’s risen out of the Mississippi mud. This special studio took the rich clay mud and they’ve turned it into eye-catching and functional items including bowls, candlesticks, tableware, and lamps, as well as artful, detailed animals and sculptural pieces. Their signature colors are Dogwood Brown, Dirty Jade, Bayou Blue, and Cotton White. Each and every piece is unique, showing the talent and skill that goes into every line and curve. Founded by the Woods Brothers in 1998, Peter’s Pottery remains a family business today.

Satterfield’s Pottery

31 Co Rd 348, Oxford, MS 38655
More info: satterfieldpottery.com

Michael Satterfield is not only creating striking works of art, he’s also a Ceramic Artist and Instructor for the Oxford School District, inspiring the next generation of ceramicists. His work spans functional items like dinnerware, mugs, olive oil and vinegar cruets, and cups to animals and religious imagery. Not afraid of a vibrant glaze, he works in both the natural, serene colors of the environment that surrounds him, but also in rich reds, cobalt blues, and other unexpectedly brilliant hues.

Etta B

Etta, MS
More info: ettabpottery.com

With colors named Matcha Leaf, Hydrangea, and Magnolia, it’s no surprise Etta B is making pottery that feels welcoming and approachable for everyday. Their whimsical designs are seasonal and fun, capturing everyone’s favorite motifs, like football, sunflowers, and pumpkins for fall. These are pieces you’ll be excited to pick up for entertaining or that will become your go-to shower gift.

Fingerprint Pottery

27 Lafayette Street, Pontotoc, MS. 38863
More info: fingerprintpottery.com

Fingerprint Pottery is instantly recognizable for the touch of its potters hands on every piece. Whether it’s the iconic fingerprints dotting the sides of a tray or long drags of a finger creating texture on an angel’s wings, these pieces carry the soul of the artists who create them. Each signature piece has the warmth and care of a skilled potter, which is exactly why these stunning works are so sought after.