Pottery feud divides NC town of Seagrove

And that's about all outspoken potter Don Hudson can say without throwing himself further into a deepening dispute among the noted artisans living in an area of central North Carolina rich in natural clay, where pottery has flourished for more than 250 years.

The dispute has resulted in two pottery festivals in Seagrove scheduled for the same November weekend. One is new this year, the other has been held for the last 26.

The divide, and all the confusing reasons for a fight over pottery, can appear ridiculous to outsiders. But it's venomous for those involved, resulting in ugly propaganda, reports of a gunshot fired at one shop and allegations of assault. Attempts to settle it have gotten nowhere.

"It's crazy. It's doing huge damage, and they should get over it," said Charlotte Brown, author of the 2006 book, "The Remarkable Potters of Seagrove" and director of the Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. "It's not over anything that matters. It's personal. Everybody stands to lose."

Even some customers are starting to take sides, said Michelle Kovack, an artist who paints pots thrown by her husband, Craig, and is neutral in the feud.

"They've got to realize, we're stuck in the middle of this," she said. "We're just trying to make a living."

Potters have carved out a living in the Seagrove area, about halfway between Charlotte and Raleigh, since the mid-18th century. It was founded by seven families who embraced the abundant clay underfoot.

Seagrove artists' fans include actors Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman, and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Tokyo. North Carolina governors have commissioned the community's pottery as gifts for world leaders.

All of which helps explain the passion that feeds a feud that has simmered for years and went public this summer.