Making Place Opening Reception

The Making Place 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. 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.

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.

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