Fowler’s Clay Works is the gallery and studio of Mike Fowler, local Gatlinburg resident and accomplished potter. At the workspace, you’ll find a wide range of pottery available for purchase, and Mike and his team regularly teach classes as well.
Mike Fowler is a highly accomplished potter, and his craftsmanship shows in the stoneware that’s on display and available for purchase. Beautiful mugs feature abstract designs and more specific decals, such as hearts and black bears, and they come in a wide range of colors. You’ll also find butter dishes with curled handles, vases with hand-sculpted flowers and labeled honey pots along the walls. For a larger piece, there are plenty of bowls, pitchers and pie plates to also peruse.
All of this is made on-site by Mike and the team he leads, and you can regularly find them at work when you visit. If you like, you can also try your hand at the pottery wheel — just contact the studio beforehand to schedule a time and discuss what you’d like to do.
If you’re an aficionado of pottery, Mike’s hands create absolutely stunning pieces and there’s a wide variety available here. Stop in to see what’s for sale that you might like to take home, and spend some time talking to Mike during your visit. He and the team are always happy to explain the process and answer any questions you might have.
A few of our favorite pieces and classes at Fowler’s Clay Works include:
Make a Mug Experience
Why take a potter’s mug home when you can make your own? As long as you have the time, let Mike or a team member guide you through the process. At the end of the class, you’ll have a mug that’s both gorgeous and something you personally created.
Make a Pot Experience
Don’t need another coffee mug? Make a pot instead. You get to choose the design, and a team member will help you make sure the pot comes out looking great and fully functional.
9-Inch Pie Plate
There’s always something special about a homemade pie, and now you can have a dish that’s worthy of one of your best (or Mom’s best) pies. The 9-Inch Pie Plate is the perfect size for either homemade or store-bought crust, and it’s the right depth for almost any pie. Best of all, the unique design will ensure your pie gets attention at every family gathering and pot luck.
Spoon Rest
The Spoon Rest is a smaller and simpler piece, making it one of the most affordable items in the studio. It’s still elegant, though, and makes a wonderful gift.
Berry Bowl with Tray
While not the most common dish, the Berry Bowl with Tray is well-designed and dresses up fresh berries nicely. It comes in colors that naturally complement fresh berries, and the tray underneath the bowl catches any water that might drip down after washing the fruit off.
Insider Tips:
– If you take a class to make your own mug or pot, don’t expect to take your piece home with you on the same day. It’ll have to be fired in the kiln, and the studio usually works on a several-week delay. The item can be securely packaged and shipped to once it’s finished in the kiln.
-The bakeware here is oven-safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. That makes the pieces suitable for many recipes, but some recipes call for 375 degrees or higher. Keep this in mind as you use these dishes when cooking at home.