Community Through Clay: A Conversation With Sarah Wells Rolland of The Village Potters Clay Center
The Village Potters are set to open a new space this summer. Here’s a look back at our intriguing chat with the center’s founder, Sarah Wells Rolland.
Editor’s note: This episode was originally published in April 2022. We’re revisiting our conversation with Sarah Wells Rolland, owner, founder, and resident potter of The Village Potters Clay Center, as part of our clay-themed coverage in May 2025.
In the face of adversity, creativity has a remarkable way of shining through. No one embodies this spirit more than Sarah Wells Rolland, owner and founder of The Village Potters Clay Center, which was once an iconic gallery in Asheville’s River Arts District.
After Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to their facilities, The Village Potters is navigating the challenging journey of recovery while looking forward to exciting new beginnings. They’re temporarily operating out of a warehouse as they prepare to open a brand new 18,000 sq. ft. facility this summer. In this episode, Sarah shares her inspiring story of resilience, detailing the critical support needed to rebuild, replace kilns, and transform their new space into a thriving hub for creativity and collaboration. Help The Village Potters cover the significant costs of rebuilding by making a tax-deductible donation through their new fiscal sponsor or visiting their GoFundMe campaign.
In today’s episode, Sarah reveals the path to becoming a professional ceramic artist, reflecting on her 30-year career and the challenges she’s encountered along the way. She discusses the founding of The Village Potters as a shared gallery and collective, emphasizing how its educational initiatives nurture the next generation of artists. Tune in to discover why the River Arts District is integral to their mission and how the local arts community has rallied together to support one another.
Sarah also shares her top recommendations for first-time visitors to Asheville, offering insights into the rich artistic landscape and the many ways to enjoy the local culture. From tips on expanding your ceramic collection to the best barbecue spots in town, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight. As The Village Potters solidify their future, you’ll learn how every donation—big or small—can make a significant impact in their recovery and growth.
Quotes From This Episode
“My husband and I hold the lease and hold ownership of the business and the responsibility of the loans it took to make it happen, but we, as a collective, the group of potters, are who make this place work.” — Sarah Wells Rolland [0:15:56]
“It’s easy in education in the arts to raise up people and teach them how to imitate your work. That is not what we do here. We help people explore creatively who they are and find their voice in clay.” — Sarah Wells Rolland [0:18:20]
“Artists take things and repurpose [them] and make things new, and that is what happened in the River Arts District.” — Sarah Wells Rolland [0:36:03]
“Buy what you love. Buy what you’re going to want to live with. Art adds so much to your life, to your experience, to your home, so make sure your collection is adding to that.” — Sarah Wells Rolland [0:48:30]
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Sarah Wells Rolland on Facebook
Sarah Wells Rolland on LinkedIn
The Village Potters Clay Center
The Village Potters GoFundMe campaign
About The Village Potters Clay Center
The Village Potters Clay Center is a dynamic community of six resident potters dedicated to the art of ceramics. Located in an expansive 18,000 sq. foot facility, it features private studios, educational spaces, and a retail gallery showcasing fine ceramic art and functional pieces. The center is renowned for its diverse educational programs, including both in-person and live online classes, workshops, and an Advanced Studies Program focused on independent study and mentoring. The mission of The Village Potters is to foster creative exploration through education and community engagement, grounded in core values of respect, integrity, and kindness. Committed to inclusivity, the center celebrates the uniqueness of all individuals, without discrimination of any kind. The resident potters not only create exceptional work but also run their own clay businesses, all while sharing their passion and fostering camaraderie in a supportive atmosphere.