If you’re looking for that next staple piece of earthenware for your home, whether it be a coffee mug or a set of plates, no need to look further than A. Griffin Pottery. At this studio, you’re supporting real artists with every purchase and see as a mound of clay comes to life in real-time. You can even become part of the process with live workshops where you shape it, bake it, and take it home.
Started by Allen Griffin, a retired art teacher, A. Griffin Pottery was taken over by the studio artists after his passing to continue his legacy of learning, creativity, and community. We sat down with owner and artist, Susan Jones to talk about why she spends her days here, and what makes this studio truly one-of-a-kind.
Tell us about Allen and his vision. How did A. Griffin Pottery come to life?
Susan: A. Griffin Pottery has its roots in Allen Griffin’s vision. Allen was a long-time art teacher in Gaston County for 30 years, and when he retired in 2002, he returned to Shelby and found an old service station for rent. It was perfect – it had a garage he could use as a studio and an office space that he converted into a gallery. I don’t know if he ever planned to teach again, but people asked, so he made space in his studio for lessons. That’s how I started; I began taking lessons with Allen in the fall of 2007.
So, what is the mission or vision of A. Griffin Pottery today? If I were visiting Cleveland County, why should I stop by A. Griffin Pottery and what makes it so special?
Susan: This studio is unique because it’s a working studio as well as a gallery. You’ll see us in various stages of creating – throwing, building, trimming, glazing. There’s pottery in every stage of the process, and all the work in our gallery is functional pottery – mugs, vases, bowls, platters, that kind of thing. Everything we sell was made on-site, and there’s a good chance the artist who made it will be working on new pieces right there. We love talking with visitors and answering questions about what goes into each piece, so people get a real sense of the process. Our mission is to keep that spirit of learning, creativity, and community alive.
Tell me more about the creative process. What can a visitor expect to purchase, and who are the artists they’d be supporting?
Susan: Our entire creative process happens here in the studio. It’s fascinating because, even though we all start with the same materials, each potter’s finished work is unique to their own creativity. We use a mix of wheel-throwing and hand-building to shape the clay, and the process can take several days from start to finish. For example, with a mug, I’ll start by throwing the body on the wheel, then it has to dry until it’s firm enough for the handle–usually the next day. Once the handle’s attached, the mug has to dry completely, which can take weeks depending on the weather and the size of the piece. After that, we bisque-fire it, glaze it, and fire it again. The work in the gallery only comes from potters who work here, so if you buy something, you’re directly supporting Susan Jones, Gail Richard, Vicki Halloran, Lisa Claytor, or me, Susan Jones.
What’s a typical day like for you at A. Griffin Pottery? Any routines or rituals?
Susan: Most days, my dog, Dixie, is with me. When we get to town, she insists we go to RollOver Pets first, where her friends there adore her and give her a treat. After her routine is out of the way, she naps while I get to work. If the kiln’s ready to be unloaded, I do that first because I can’t wait to get the bisque ware ready to glaze or to see the results of a glaze firing. I start by checking on pieces that are drying to see if any need to be trimmed, have handles added, or are ready for the kiln. Once that’s all taken care of, I can focus on creating new pieces. Throwing on the wheel is probably my favorite part–I love the feel of the clay as I shape it and see a piece grow out of a ball of clay. It never gets old!
Working with Gail, Vicki, and Lisa is another highlight. We don’t usually work on the same piece, but we’re always learning from each other. We share tools and ideas all the time, and I think we’re all better potters because of it. And I’m always happy to pause my work to help customers find something they love and wrap up pieces that are heading home with them.
Why Cleveland County and Shelby in particular? How does the location influence your work?
Susan: The old service station is perfect for a pottery studio because pottery is messy work, and the space was already designed for that kind of environment. I’m in Shelby because I grew up here and returned after college to teach. Uptown Shelby is a great place to be; it has unique shops and restaurants and a supportive community of business owners. It really feels like we’re all thriving together here. Plus, the pottery community in Cleveland County is incredibly supportive. I’m lucky to have friends who are also potters nearby–if I ever have questions, I know I can reach out to someone who’s ready to help or share what they know.
Thank you so much for sharing the story behind A. Griffin Pottery. Anything else you’d like people to know?
Susan: Just that A. Griffin Pottery isn’t just a place to buy pottery; it’s a place to experience the creative process firsthand and see the legacy Allen left behind. I’m so grateful for the chance to keep his vision alive and for the artists and visitors who bring energy to the studio every day. If you’re ever in Shelby, I hope you’ll stop by and see what we’re working on–and, of course, say hi to Dixie!
A. Griffin Pottery stands out as a vibrant reminder of the beauty and soul in handcrafted art – the antithesis of a world filled by the mass-produced and the impersonal. Here, the personal is in every mug, bowl, and vase. Each coffee mug tells a story – shaped by hands that care deeply about their craft and a community that celebrates it.