Local NC artists and pottery throwers from across the nation come to this part of NC to run their kilns and display their wares to the public...Some families have been in business for at least 3 generations in the area. Check out Seagrove,NC and pottery and find out when the families hold their special events where you get a lottery ticket and choose the piece you like the best and purchase it for the price they have listed...This is very competitive...people have know about "this secret" for years and have been unwilling to share it with others. Pottery has been displayed in museums in DC, Atlanta, Mexico City , New York and even Paris. Bring cash and your check book...I can't remember if they accepted credit cards or not.