To those that have visited, Cedar Creek Gallery is a living, breathing space that celebrates craftsmanship and artistry. For those that are discovering it for the first time, it is a surprising oasis tucked into the woods just outside of Creedmoor, NC.
Part gallery, part studio, part store, Cedar Creek prides itself on putting finely crafted products in the hands of its many customers. "Our products and approach is focused more on ‘crafts’ than pieces of ‘art,’" says Jennifer Dolan the General Manager of Cedar Creek. "Crafts tend to be tangible….such as pottery, glass, wood, jewelry, and sculptures," Crafts also tend to be more personal as they become a possession rather than piece of art. "When our customers see and select a product they take it on as part of themselves. We can literally see how someone holds the piece and tell if they are buying it for themselves or as a gift. If it is for themselves they almost cradle it…wanting to hold it dear," explains Dolan.
Founded in 1968 as a studio and sales space for two potters, Cedar Creek has grown to house an array of potters and glassblowers in private studios on the site. Started by Sid and Pat Oakley, it is now under the watchful eye of their daughter, Lisa Oakley. Having recently celebrated its 50th birthday, it is not surprising the gallery still is defined by its core principles: to celebrate craftspeople and their work, to manage the business in a way that assures artists a living-wage, and to provide customers access to the best artists and craftsmanship in America — Many of the craftspeople they represent have works in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian, The Corning Museum, The Mint Museum, and The Chrysler Museum. Also, their work is in the collections of heads of state, Kings, Ambassadors, and others.
Given this commitment to the artistry and the customer, it is not surprising that Cedar Creek is a winner of the Governor’s Award for Excellence. But it is not about awards or a national following. At the end of the day, Cedar Creek is passionate about connecting customers with local, regional, and national craftspeople and their exquisite visions. Unlike other establishments, Cedar Creek is not an artist studio. When on site the artists are isolated and focused on their craft. "They are craftspeople, not exhibitors," says Dolan. "Our responsibility is to assure they have the space and freedom to "stay in the moment" as they create."
To provide an opportunity for customers and artists to interact, Cedar Creek holds two craft festivals each year. One will be held the first two weekends of October. There will be lots to do and see at their 53rd Annual Fall Pottery & Glass Festival! Glass blowing demonstrations, pottery demonstrations, visiting guest artists, food trucks, and live music. All demonstrations will be outside or in open-air spaces. Masks will be required in the gallery and while watching some of the demonstrations. They will continue to limit the number of people in the gallery. Bring the family and experience for yourself what Cedar Creek is all about. This event is free and open to the public. Hours for the event are 6pm – 9pm on Fridays (Oct 1/8) and 10am – 6pm on Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 2/3, 9/10)
The October festival also overlaps with Cedar Creek’s annual Pumpkin Patch. This year’s beautiful glass pumpkins are available in classic autumn hues as well as a stunning array of other colors, making them the ideal addition to your home decor for the fall or all year long.
Just like real pumpkins, this glass patch will grow and change as they continue to add pumpkins of various sizes and colors through November 7.
There are literally hundreds and hundreds of these pieces of art available. Big ones, little ones, pumpkins stacked three high, and even some that glow under black light. Whether you’re looking for a traditional orange pumpkin or one in a kaleidoscope of colors, you will find one that fits your personal decor and holiday style!
If you can’t see the Pumpkin Patch in person or want to preview what you’ll see, they’ve curated an online selection of some of their favorites. Lisa Oakley will have her 2021 Limited Edition pumpkin available beginning October 1. These will be available both in the gallery and online. Limited to 100 pumpkins. Each pumpkin will be signed, dated, and numbered.
For more information on Cedar Creek Gallery, the festival, the Pumpkin Patch, or any of their other events, you can call them at 919-528-1041, visit their website at www.cedarcreekgallery.com.