LOCAL HAPPENINGS: Pottery historian to discuss Mount Shepherd stove tiles

ASHEBORO — Learn about the history of pottery stove tiles — and the symbolism behind the “Revolutionary Randolph” America 250 logo — with master potter Tara Logue in “The Story Behind a Logo: Tile Stoves and the Mount Shepherd Potter,” 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, at the Asheboro Public Library.

Randolph County has used clay stove tile designs found at the 1780s Mount Shepherd pottery site of Moravian potter Jacob Meyer for both the 200th and 250th anniversary logos for the county. In 1976, the design was a soldier standing at attention.

In 2026, a representation of a tile featuring a dragoon (cavalry soldier) on horseback is incorporated in the Revolutionary Randolph logo.

Both tiles were discovered during the 1970s, when an archaeological dig found numerous artifacts from the pottery operated by Meyer during the Revolutionary War era. Logue, a former educator and lead potter at Old Salem, will talk about the history of tile stoves, their design and construction, and how Meyer might have used his tile designs to market to new, patriotic buyers.

“What does the concept of patriotism mean to a pacifist Moravian in the North Carolina back country in the aftermath of the Revolution? As the new American Idea began to take form, the impacts reached into every facet of identity,” Logues says.

“Through the pottery excavations at Mount Shepherd, we can get an intimate window into the ways that religious identity, cultural heritage, and craftsmanship were complicated as the local potters defined for themselves what it meant to become an American.”

Through her pottery work reproducing Moravian earthenware, Logue developed a specialty in tile stoves, known as “kachelofen.” She has presented at the international conference of the Masonry Heater Association, been featured on the “Things” podcast of the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, and worked alongside master potter Ron Probst to restore a historic tile stove in the Single Brothers’ House at Old Salem.

Logue lives in Kernersville. Her current ceramic work includes both historic reproductions as well as original designs that draw from historical influences.

Coinciding with Logue’s talk is a display of Mount Shepherd pottery artifacts, documents and photographs in the upstairs Asheboro library display case. The display features the soldier-at-attention tile used for Randolph County’s bicentennial in 1976.

The library is located at 201 Worth Street. For more information, call 336-318-6815.

THIS WEEK

Starworks Craft Invitational returns

STAR — Spend the day immersed in creativity at the 2026 Starworks Craft Invitational, a celebration of contemporary handmade craft featuring talented artists from across the Southeast and beyond. 

Held at Starworks in Star, North Carolina, the annual event invites visitors to explore an exhibition-style artist showcase featuring 20 artists, experience live demonstrations, enjoy local food trucks, and connect directly with makers working in ceramic, glass, wood, meta, and fiber.

The main event takes place Saturday, June 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a special Preview Reception on Friday, June 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. offering early access to available work in a relaxed, celebratory setting complete with complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets to the Main Event are $5 per person. Tickets to the Preview Reception are $25 per person. Kids 12 and under are welcome at no cost, and must be accompanied by an adult.

New this year, visitors can experience live artist demonstrations throughout the day, offering a behind-the-scenes look into both traditional and contemporary craft processes: Glassblowing at 10 a.m., Ceramics at noon and Flameworking at 2 p.m.

More than just an art sale, the Craft Invitational offers a full day-trip experience for visitors of all ages. Guests can enjoy meals from local food truck House of Odell & Luella from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and stay late after the event for live music from Doug Massey, plus food and drinks at Starworks’ onsite Café & Taproom.

Randolph Arts Council offers  fundraising event Saturday in Asheboro

ASHEBORO — On Saturday, June 13, the Randolph Arts Council is holding a  benefit event from 6 to 8 p.m. at the George Washington Carver Center.

Tickets are priced to include an Arts Council annual membership (valued at $40), offering both an immediate and lasting way to support local arts initiatives. 

A ticket also enters the holder into a raffle that could net an art piece of your choosing, valued up to $500, from any RAC Gallery through June 2027.

The evening will feature a silent auction showcasing canvas works created by local artists during the Plein Air Paint Weekend held June 5-7 at various outdoor locations throughout the area, each piece designed to capture the unique character and charm of the community.

The paintings will be made available exclusively to benefit attendees. 

Guests will also have the opportunity to meet the talented artists behind the work and learn more about their creative process, with a free glass of something bubbly when you arrive for the cocktail event featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres provided by Black Lantern Tea Room, beer and wine and live music.

This event is a fundraiser benefit for the Randolph Arts Council and a membership drive for the organization. Proceeds will directly go to funding the Arts Council Mission:

“The Randolph Arts Council enriches the community by serving artists and arts organizations, increasing access to meaningful creative experiences across all art forms, and inspiring people of all backgrounds to engage and express themselves through the arts. We are your window to the arts in Randolph County.”

Tickets are priced individually at $95 or $50 for life members. Tickets can be purchased online at https://randolphartscouncil.org or during regular business hours at the Randolph Arts Council, 123 Sunset Ave. Asheboro.

For questions and info, call 336- 906-5128.

The George Washington Carver Center is located at 950 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Asheboro.

Book signing part of heritage group’s inaugural event

SEAGROVE —The Southern Randolph Heritage Association’s inaugural event in the Historic Luck’s Cannery, 798 NC Hwy 705, Seagrove, is set for Sunday, June 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. It’s the site of the “Old Luck’s Bean Plant.” 

A highlight of the event will be Jack C. Lail, founder of Mid State Plastics, signing copies of “Bethlehem ... to Seagrove” — his autobiography and a tribute to a journey of Faith, Family, and Industry in North Carolina. Copies of his story may be found at Amazon.com or on the website, www.bethlehemtoseagrove.com. 

Sandra Lail will also be interviewing Jack for details not found in his script.  Also on hand will be items from the collection of the Southern Randolph Heritage Association, on display for viewing. 

Everyone is welcome to attend and admission is free. There will be light refreshments and an opportunity to become a Founding Member of the Association. Contact Sue Spencer at 336-953-1960 for more information.

Part Time Party Band hits Bicentennial Park June 14

ASHEBORO — Another Sunday Night Concert is coming on Sunday, June 14, when the Part Time Party Band lights up the stage and listeners’ ears. This family-friendly concert in the heart of downtown Asheboro begins at 6 p.m. and lasts until about 8:30 p.m. Food trucks will be onsite. Bring your own chair and blanket (and maybe shade protection and dancing shoes) for the outdoor event. The event is free and open to the public.

UPCOMING

Tea tasting June 20 at Brightside

ASHEBORO — Carriage House Tea is holding a “Kick Off Summer Celebration” free tea tasting on Saturday, June 20, from 12 to 4 p.m. in the front parlor at Brightside Gallery/Carriage House Tea, 170 Worth St., Asheboro. The featured tea is Watermelon Oolong Tea. This is a FREE event and the public is invited.

Watermelon Oolong is a robust blend of high quality teas from China and Thailand. It makes a tremendous iced tea or hot tea and is very high in antioxidants and low in caffeine content. Carriage House Tea will serve it chilled and sweetened.

Bluegrass band this month at Sunset: New Direction

ASHEBORO — New Direction Bluegrass is returning to the Sunset Theatre on Friday, June 19, beginning at 7 p.m., as the June host of Friday Night Bluegrass, held on the third Friday of every month. 

Founding member Bobby Gales (banjo, guitar) started playing back in the mid-’90s and today enjoys teaching music students. Bobby’s wife Charity plays upright bass and sings lead/harmony vocals. Sarah Walters, from the bluegrass gospel group The Walters Family, is a very talented fiddle player who also has a powerful voice for lead and harmony vocals. Guitar player Brice Hursey is one of the best pickers around. 

Admission is $10. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Randleman Market & Music series returns June 19

RANDLEMAN — The Market & Music Concert Series will fill up another Friday night with food, music and vendors in Commerce Square in downtown Randleman on June 19. Food trucks begin to arrive at 5 p.m. and vendors also open at 5 for visitors to the Timken Farmers Market. 

The music begins at 7 and runs until 10 p.m., with this week’s guest the Cornbread Cowboys. Admission is free. Bring your own chair.

Monthly Quiet Day at the Zoo is Tuesday, June 16

ASHEBORO — The North Carolina Zoo sets aside one day every month — the third Tuesday — as a quiet day for visitors called “Quiet Day at the NC Zoo.” 

On those days, loud music and announcements are turned off, no large groups are allowed, and a peaceful visit for the zoo is set aside for those who cannot handle such combustion and others who just want to enjoy a peaceful walk among the animals.