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About
Who We Are
The Village Potters Clay Center (TVPCC) is a vibrant creative community dedicated to the exploration of clay. TVPCC is run by a collective of six Resident Potters – Sarah Wells Rolland, Judi Harwood, Julia Mann, Katie Meili Messersmith, Karen Dubois, and Maria Andrade Troya.
The 18,000 sq. foot facility houses six private Resident Potter studios, eighteen joint-use Working Studios for emerging professional potters, three fully equipped educational classrooms, thirteen varying atmospheric kilns, a retail gallery, and clay company that distributes clay (Laguna and Standard clays), raw materials, and pottery tools. Our center’s gallery is one of Western NC’s premier galleries selling fine ceramic art and functional work by our six resident potters and handful of our Working Studio tenants.
Our extensive educational programs offer both in-person and live online classes for adults, demonstrations and hands-on workshops, as well as an Advanced Studies Ceramics Program (designed around Independent Study and Mentoring).
Mission
The Village Potters Clay Center is now a non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of fine craft, inspiring passion, nurturing growth, and supporting sustainable careers for the next generation of clay and ceramic artists.
Our Vision
We envision a vibrant and enduring future for the ceramic arts, one where the rich legacy of fine craft is honored, creative passion is awakened in every generation, and artists are empowered with the skills, mentorship, and resources they need to thrive. TVPF is a nurturing and inclusive space where artists explore their voices, refine their craft, and build sustainable, purpose driven careers. Through education, access, and innovation, we uplift lives and enrich the cultural fabric of our community and nation.
Core Values
Respect, Integrity, Service, Kindness, Excellence
The Village Potters Clay Center is deeply committed to serving and supporting every person. We maintain a community which recognizes, values, and celebrates the worth and uniqueness of all individuals.
The Village Potters does not discriminate of the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or military status.
The Village Potters Core Team
Sarah Wells Rolland (she/her)
Resident Potter | Owner | Founder | Instructor | Mentor
George Rolland (he/him)
Owner | Founder | Facility Manager
Judi Harwood (she/her)
Resident Potter | Instructor | Mentor
Julia Mann (she/her)
Resident Potter | Studio Manager | Instructor | Mentor
Katie Meili Messersmith (she/her)
Resident Potter | Instructor | Mentor
Karen Dubois (she/her)
Resident Potter | Instructor | Mentor
Maria Andrade Troya (she/her)
Resident Potter | Instructor
Zulema Seguel (she/her)
Clay Company Coordinator
The Resident Artists of The Village Potters
The Resident Potters of The Village Potters Clay Center are six unique artists united by a shared passion for clay, their craft, and one another. Together, they provide daily support of the operations and culture of the Center’s many educational programs, display and sell their work, and embody the mission of the Foundation. Each Potter runs an independent clay business within the center, contributing their own voice and vision while enriching the collective whole. Though their journeys to The Village took different paths, they have all chosen this community as the place to grow their work in an atmosphere of collaboration, creativity, and camaraderie. These women are fueled by a generous spirit and a love for people and pots!
Meet our Resident Potters
