The Pottery Lot Throws the High Country for a Loop

Photo credit: Pottery Lot website

Selah Greer, Member of The Spark

Watauga's beautiful natural landscape is home to countless outdoor activities for locals and tourists alike, but on a cold and rainy day indoor activities can be hard to find. Located off of the 105 extension, The Pottery Lot is a community pottery studio and gallery where visitors can throw their own handcrafted pottery, shop for professional pieces, or enjoy the creative process with friends, no matter the weather. This new addition to Boone's thriving art community has revived interest in pottery creation for all ages and skill levels, something Pottery Lot owner Emily Roberts is proud to have brought to Boone with her studio. 

"My husband and I opened The Pottery Lot because we saw a real need in our community for a year-round, accessible space where people could connect through the art of pottery," said Roberts. "Boone is such a creative, close-knit town, but there wasn’t a community-centered pottery studio like this, especially one open to beginners, families, and hobbyists alongside experienced potters."

Roberts' personal journey with pottery is what inspired her to open The Pottery Lot, and has also impacted her business model. For Roberts, pottery is not just an art but a way to bring people together. She wanted to make The Pottery Lot a place that cultivates both creative expression and connection.

“I fell in love with pottery over a decade ago while taking classes as a creative outlet. It quickly became a passion for me, not just for the art itself, but for the community it builds around a studio," said Roberts. "I’ve always dreamed of creating a place like this — where people can gather, laugh, and create together.”

Another unique aspect of The Pottery Lot is the space it offers for visitors to shop and appreciate the work of professional potters from around the high country.

 "Alongside our studio, we have a retail gallery showcasing beautiful work by talented local potters from Western North Carolina, and we also offer clay for sale."

The studio, gallery, and community space The Pottery Lot offers are all things customers love. But since its opening, owner Emily Roberts has come to find that the accessibility of pottery creation is what customers love most about The Pottery Lot.

"I think what people love most about The Pottery Lot is that it feels fun, approachable, and welcoming to everyone. You don’t need any experience — just a willingness to play with clay and try something new. It’s a chance to slow down, get a little messy, and make memories, whether you’re here with your family, a group of friends, or on your own,” said Roberts.