“There's some driving force that's unknown to us that makes that exciting part of our lives, and Raku has been with me for 33 years... Once you get a technique that works, it's unstoppable… My fingerprint is on it, so let’s go! I want to get it out there.”

A Potter Through and Through

A man performing a science experiment with fire outdoors while a crowd watches, in a park with trees under a clear blue sky.

“There's some driving force that's unknown to us that makes that exciting part of our lives, and Raku has been with me for 33 years...once you get a technique that works it's unstoppable…my fingerprint is on it so lets go, I want to get it out there.” - Joe Frank McKee

While Joe Frank’s work is featured throughout the video, start the video at 04:02 to watch his interview.

30+ Years as a Studio Potter

20+ Years as a Ceramics Instructor for Southwestern Community College’s Heritage Arts Program

20+ Years as the Co-Founder and Organizer of the Western North Carolina Pottery Festival

Teacher at ongoing workshops at different clay studios across the country focusing on the art of clay and low firing techniques

A Few Notable Acolades

Midwest Fire Fest: Invitation to participate and demonstrate Raku firing techniques

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Cambridge, WI – Summer 2022-2026 

Southern Highland Craft Guild Focus Gallery: Invitation for Fumed pottery to be displayed for “Beautiful Mystery”

2

Asheville, NC – Fall 2024 

Southern Highland Craft Guild Focus Gallery: Invitation for Horsehair vessels to be displayed for “Black and White”

3

Asheville, NC – Spring 2020 

Ceramics Monthly Magazine: Feature on Horsehair vase with red glaze accent

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Ceramics Monthly - Nov. 2017

The Western North Carolina Pottery Festival was named one of the top 25 events in the Southeast by Southeast Tourism Society

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More to See and Read

Work Sold in All Southern Highland Craft Guild Galleries

Joe Frank McKee’s work is sold at all four Southern Highland Craft Guild Retail Galleries. There are four locations, with three in Asheville, NC and one in Blowing Rock, NC. These locations can be found below:

Voyage Raleigh Article

If you would like to learn more about Joe Frank’s past and where his story began, his journey so far, and more information about his work, visit Voyage Raleigh to read the article written about Joe Frank here.

Decorative vase with black ink designs, a red and black lid, and a gray background.

Horsehair Technique

“Horsehair is a low-fire technique where pots are fired to 1610 degrees after a terra-sigillata slip has been brushed onto them.  When the kiln cools to 950 degrees, the pots are pulled out one by one.  The horsehair burns when placed on the vessel, leaving behind its carbon mark, and sometimes feathers and sugar are used to create different images. I strive to achieve unique smoke lines, different shades of black and gray, and different patterns all by where and how the horsehair is placed, making each piece truly unique.”