Artist want to open studio / gallery Wash. NC. (Wilson, Elizabeth City: sales, income)

[clayfaceart]

How is Washington, NC. for artist (clay sculptor-potter) to open a studio / gallery downtown area? Trying find out as much as possible from internet and then plan to visit, relocate from Ohio. Thanks ahead of time

[goldenage1]

Hi - My little Internet research turns up a few galleries in Washington, so maybe there is potential. However, if I were a tourist looking for pottery, I would go to Seagrove in the center of the state. It has an incredible number of studios, and attracts a lot of tourists. I wouldn't even think of going to Washington.
Why aren't you looking at Seagrove? Or another artsy area that would provide synergy and bring foot traffic into your studio?

[oldraider]

In Seagrove you would just be one more potter, in Washington, you could be a destination for shoppers. And I would imagine the town of Washington would offer you incentives to locate there. I am in Wilson and they are offering all sorts of deals to fill downtown storefronts. I am sure Washington is doing the same kind of programs, I would call their chamber and find out.

[goldenage1]

OK - I checked the NC Pottery Center website, and they have a directory of potterys. Several are located in Eastern NC towns, like Baysboro, Manteo, North Topsail Beach, Hampstead, Elizabeth City, etc. The site lists e-mail addresses, and maybe the poster could network with some of these people.

If a potter has a reputation, I guess people will come to a studio. Otherwise, if you make your income from the internet sales or craft shows, you can live anywhere.

[goldenage1]

BTW, this is clayfaceart's work in an album:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/membe...culptures.html

It's cool stuff. I especially like the Tree Man.

[clayfaceart]

Thank You for all your repley /Thanks for checking out my album. I do like the Washington area because the clay / pottery is few, I feel I have alot to bring to the area.