Preston Tolbert- Ceramics

Preston Tolbert is a full time artist working in Old Fort, NC. He studied ceramics at Western Carolina University under Professor Joan Byrd. While at WCU he met his wife Sara Tolbert, also a potter. After graduation they moved to Arizona to apprentice to Don Reitz, one of the most influential ceramists worldwide. While in Arizona, Preston learned the intricacies of sustained wood firing along with many other skills and techniques.

After moving back to North Carolina in 2010, they built a kiln and started producing work. Preston has given workshops at Blue Ridge Community College, Southwestern Community College, Wilmington’s Orange Street Clay Center, and McDowell Arts Council. He also did a week long summer workshop at Western Carolina University and a two week long kiln building workshop here at the Jackson County Green Energy Park. Preston and Sara currently maintain Hemlock Pottery in downtown Old Fort.