Located at 5117 Hwy 53 in a restored building once used as the town's post office, House of Clay features original, handcrafted pottery designed by the owner Sue Compton. The studio will also offer classes, individual wheel instruction and bisque painting. A summer camp for children is being planned. Clubs, bachelorette or birthday parties and family reunions can reserve the studio for private painting events to commemorate a special occasion.
Compton has been teaching ceramics from elementary to eighth grade for many years. She was recently selected to display one of her pieces at the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts in Houston, Texas. House of Clay can be reached at [email protected] or by calling 770-519-8900.
Other downtown businesses will welcome House of Clay by offering special pricing and events at their stores as well. Elements, a Day Spa, will hold a drawing for a free massage and offers a 40% discount on retail products according to Cheri Winham Huff, owner. Next door to the spa, The Garden, a premiere grower of annuals, perennials and tropicals, is preparing for its season opening on April 12. Three local antique stores, A Flea An'tique, Braselton Antique Mall and Countryside Antiques are also welcoming downtown shoppers with refreshments and sales. Together they offer over 60,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles and other treasures.
Rounding out the co-operative is Braselton Gallery. Artists will be on hand to talk about their art and tasty snacks will be served. Debra Swantek- Brooks, owner of the Braselton Gallery, has been a driving force among the downtown merchants' joint marketing and advertising efforts. The gallery opened last fall and features over 30 artists whose works include photography, folk art, fine art, custom wood furniture, custom jewelry, and yard art.
"There is a lot of excitement going on downtown," says Downtown Director Amy Pinnell, "I love the spirit and willingness these businesses have to support one another."
The Downtown Development Authority recently launched a new website --- www.downtownbraselton.com . On the site one can find an events calendar, business directory and information on starting a new business in the downtown district. For more information on downtown Braselton, contact Pinnell at 706-684-0369 or [email protected].
(Photo courtesy House of Clay Facebook page.)
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