In this episode of House of Folk Art, host Matt Ledbetter sits down with his wife, Jennie Ledbetter, to talk about their first experience at the Catawba Valley Pottery Festival in Hickory, North Carolina. This festival is one of the most important folk pottery gatherings in the country, drawing collectors, artists, and enthusiasts from all over. What started as a casual visit for Matt and Jennie quickly turned into an annual tradition, teaching them valuable lessons about navigating the show, meeting top potters, and finding the best pieces.
But this year, House of Folk Art is stepping into a new role. Not only will Matt and his team be at the festival, but they will also have their own official booth. Throughout the event, Matt will be conducting live podcast interviews with potters, capturing their stories, techniques, and insights about the folk pottery world. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting started, this episode gives you everything you need to know about attending the festival, what to look for, and why you should stop by to be part of the House of Folk Art experience.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction: The First Trip to Hickory
02:30 - Learning the Hard Way: Why the Preview Party Matters
06:45 - Meeting Stacey Lambert and the Art of Selling Out Fast
10:30 - The Shopping Strategy: What to Look For at the Festival
14:15 - The Evolution of Their Collecting Journey
18:40 - The Best Pieces They’ve Ever Bought (and Sold)
22:00 - Pottery as an Investment: How Prices Have Changed Over Time
26:30 - Festival Tips: Booking Hotels, Preview Parties, and the Best Booths
30:45 - The House of Folk Art Booth: Live Interviews & Behind-the-Scenes
35:00 - Final Thoughts: Why Hickory is a Must-Visit for Folk Art Fans
A Late Start and a Valuable Lesson
Matt and Jennie’s first trip to the Hickory Pottery Festival was filled with excitement—but also missteps. They arrived about an hour late, assuming they were early enough to get a good look at the best pieces. But when they walked into the venue, they were already too late. Many of the biggest names in folk pottery had already sold out, with collectors scooping up the most sought-after pieces during the Friday night preview party—an exclusive event where buyers get early access to the top finds.
This was a game-changer for Matt and Jennie. They quickly realized that to get the best folk pottery, they needed to arrive early, buy preview tickets, and come prepared. It was their first lesson in the fast-paced world of pottery collecting, where hesitation can mean missing out on once-in-a-lifetime finds.
Meeting Stacey Lambert: When Everything’s Already Sold
One of the most memorable moments from their first visit was meeting legendary potter Stacey Lambert. They walked up to his booth, expecting to see a full display of his intricate folk pottery, only to find an empty table with just two pieces left. Stacey was casually sketching at his booth, waiting out the rest of the festival after selling nearly everything the night before.
This moment drove home the importance of preview night. Stacey explained that serious collectors arrive early, often purchasing entire booths of pottery before the general public even gets a chance to look. If you’re planning to attend, take Matt and Jennie’s advice—get a preview ticket, or risk missing out on the best pieces.
The Thrill of Collecting: What Makes the Festival Special?
As Matt and Jennie continued attending year after year, the Catawba Valley Pottery Festival became more than just an event—it became part of their family’s tradition. Their kids even got involved, using their own earnings to buy pottery at the show and resell it later.
The festival isn't just about buying and selling—it's about history, culture, and community. Many of the potters have been perfecting their craft for decades, using traditional techniques passed down through generations. The event serves as a meeting place for collectors, potters, and folk art enthusiasts, where stories and knowledge are shared just as much as the pottery itself.
The Best Finds and the Pieces That Got Away
Over the years, Matt and Jennie have come across some incredible pieces, but also learned the hard way that you can’t buy everything. Some of their favorite purchases include:
- A rare Stacey Lambert face jug, one of the most unique and detailed they’ve ever seen.
- A collection of monkey jugs from the early 1900s, a folk pottery staple that has only become more valuable over time.
- A massive candle lantern, a piece Jennie insisted on buying despite Matt’s initial reluctance. It has since become one of their favorite pieces, proudly displayed in their home.
But there were also pieces they had to walk away from—either because someone beat them to it, or because they underestimated the demand. It’s all part of the thrill of collecting.
Festival Tips: How to Do Hickory Right
If you’re planning to attend the Catawba Valley Pottery Festival, here’s what Matt and Jennie recommend:
- Book a hotel in advance. Staying nearby makes it easier to attend both the preview party and the main event.
- Buy preview tickets. This gives you first access to the best pottery before it sells out.
- Bring cash. Many potters accept cards, but cash is always easier, especially for quick deals.
- Set a budget. It’s easy to get carried away—don’t bring more than you’re comfortable spending.
- Talk to the potters. The festival is a rare chance to meet the artists behind the work. Take the time to learn about their process.
The House of Folk Art Booth: Live Interviews & Exclusive Content
For the first time ever, House of Folk Art will have a booth at the festival, where Matt will be conducting live podcast interviews with potters throughout the event. This is an opportunity to hear directly from some of the biggest names in folk pottery, as they share their techniques, stories, and thoughts on the future of the craft.
Whether you’re a serious collector or just curious about folk art, stop by the booth to see the podcast in action, meet Matt, and immerse yourself in the world of pottery.
Final Thoughts: Why Hickory is a Must-Visit
The Catawba Valley Pottery Festival is more than just a marketplace—it’s a cultural event that celebrates the legacy of folk pottery. Each year, collectors, artists, and enthusiasts come together to share their passion, trade pieces, and continue a tradition that has been passed down for generations.
If you love folk art, this is the place to be. And this year, with House of Folk Art hosting live interviews, there’s even more reason to attend.
So, are you going to Hickory?
