Our Instructors

Rachel Smith - Pottery By Rachel

Rachel Smith is the founding member of Reems Creek Pottery. She makes functional and decorative work in a variety of styles utilizing hand-building techniques. Rachel's pottery features surface designs from textures, to silk screens, to decals, to sgraffito. She especially enjoys making serving pieces and everyday ornaments. Rachel teaches private handbuilding lessons as well as facilitates pottery workshops. You can schedule a private lesson or workshop here.

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Amelia Weber demonstrating at an event

Amelia Weber - Log Jam Clay

Amelia is the potter behind Log Jam Clay, an idea that began in 2020 in Florida and has blossomed into a business in the mountains of WNC. Through the medium of earth, Amelia enjoys creating items that can be used in everyday life. As an artist who cares about sustainability, Amelia has found wheel throwing to be a meditative way to create without feeling wasteful. Log Jam Clay embodies the importance of finding beauty in the world outside. Amelia loves to draw. So naturally she spend lots of time carving designs into her work. 

Along with creating pottery, Amelia is also one of Reems Creek Pottery's instructors! Teaching wheel and hand building lessons to all ages is a huge source of joy for her. With a background in Art Education and Outdoor Education, Amelia is skilled at helping people create what they envision and have fun along the way. You can schedule a private lesson or workshop here.

Elaine Karpen - Murder Mittens Pottery

Elaine is the creative heart behind Murder Mittens Pottery and has been a proud member of the Reems Creek Pottery community since 2020. She loves sharing her passion for ceramics by teaching approachable, experience-oriented workshops and private lessons that inspire creativity in makers of all levels.

Elaine’s pottery focuses on functional tableware and imaginative sculptures, blending practicality with a splash of whimsy. Her work is designed to bring charm and joy to everyday life, whether it’s a beautifully crafted bowl or a playful sculpture that tells its own story.

When Elaine isn’t in the studio, she’s likely hiking the trails, tending her garden, or spending quality time with her beloved cats. Her life is a perfect blend of art, nature, and a plenty of feline mischief.

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Other Artists

Travis Burnette and Eirene Peterson - IyaBlu Inc

Travis and Eirene both grew up here in the magical mountains of Western North Carolina. Their clay journey began 12 years ago and quickly turned into something they both loved and knew they had to continue. Eirene's work is inspired by the mountains to the sea, animals and everything whimsical. Travis's work is inspired by nature, regional and cultural ancient pottery and Appalachian folk art. Together they make a variety of functional pottery, miniature to large and individual ceramic art.

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