BURLON CRAIG
(VALE N.C)
Burlon Craig, introduced to pottery making as a teenager, worked for various
potters until the end of the 1930"s. After a stint in the war, Burlon
settled in Catawba Valley's Vale, North Carolina and revived an almost extinct
tradition in that area. Firing in a groundhog kiln several times a year, using
hand dug clay and his own glaze mixtures, Burlon began his career. However, it
was after his retirement from 20 years of furniture employment that he turned to
pottery making and farming full-time. Functional pottery such as jugs, jars,
milk crocks and pitchers evolved into folk art work at the advice of a friend,
as Burlon began creating face jugs and snake jugs. These wares became guaranteed
sell-outs at his kiln openings. In 1975 Craig began stamping his pottery, B.B.
Craig, Vale, NC, and he was well on his way as a genuine, well known folk
potter. Featured in numerous magazines and the book, "TURNERS AND BURNERS:
The Folk Potters of North Carolina," Burlon's most pretigious boost of fame
came when he was awarded the National Folk Heritage Award by the National
Endowment of the Arts in 1984. Since the 1980's Burlon's pottery pursuers have
virtually emptied his yard of wares in only minutes after the sale began at his
kiln openings. In the 90's he resorted to the drawing of numbers to insure many
who traveled far and near a better chance at his wares without being trampled in
the process. Burlon Craig could be called the "God-Father" of present
Catawba Valley potters. Certainly the following potters have either directly or
indirectly been inspired and helped by his skill and goodwill.
Back to Bio List