Laurel Creek Pottery
Welcome
The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 6PM. We are closed Sunday and Monday. Ask us about Open Studio Hours (12 pm – 8 pm Tuesday and Wednesday)!
Meet Local Potter Laura Abbey
Founder & Head Potter, Laurel Creek Pottery
Laura Abbey is an Appalachian native whose journey has taken her across mountains, continents, and communities – yet always brought her back home. After years of raising three children, traveling the world, and serving others through the Peace Corps in Namibia, Laura returned to Southwest Virginia with a renewed appreciation for the landscape, traditions, and spirit that shaped her.
A lifelong explorer and endurance athlete, Laura’s adventures include qualifying for the Boston Marathon, earning age-group wins in multiple ultramarathons, hiking the Appalachian Trail and Camino de Santiago, and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. These experiences have deepened her connection to nature, perseverance, and the beauty found in intentional living.
As founder and Head Potter of Laurel Creek Pottery, Laura creates handcrafted functional ceramics inspired by the Appalachian landscape – the textures of the forest, the colors of the mountains, and the quiet rhythms of everyday life. Her pieces are designed to be used and cherished, bringing beauty and meaning into the simple moments of gathering, sharing, and creating daily rituals.
For Laura, clay is more than a material; it is a way to slow down, reconnect, and build community. Through Laurel Creek Pottery, she has cultivated a welcoming pottery community where people come together to learn, create, encourage one another, and share the joy of making. This close-knit creative family has become such a meaningful part of her life that it is sometimes jokingly referred to as an “intentional community” – a place built around connection, creativity, and mutual support.
Laura’s commitment to community extends beyond the pottery studio through her volunteer work with Community Cats Rescue Network and her involvement with WindHorse Healing Arts Center, where she supports efforts that foster compassion, healing, creativity, and connection.
Each piece from Laurel Creek Pottery carries a story – one rooted in place, shaped by hand, and inspired by the enduring spirit of Appalachia. Laura’s work can be found not only at Laurel Creek Pottery but Formato Fine Arts, Big Walker Mountain Lookout, and Wolf Creek Indian Village where she shares her pottery with others who appreciate handmade craftsmanship and the stories behind each creation.
Ceramics
Laura’s passion for ceramics began in New Jersey in a local studio. She continued to practice her skill at a nearby college. She trained under a specialist of the Raku process, Ann Tsubota. Laura’s specialty, however, is creating barrel-fired pottery. This process creates a unique smoky color and rugged texture. Check out the gallery for examples of her work! To request a personalized piece, fill out the contact form.
Mission
We aim to foster the joy of creation within our local community, while inviting visitors to discover and engage with the authentic artistry and cultural legacy of Appalachia.
House History
The main portion of the house is a log cabin built during the late 19th century. It stands alongside other buildings of that time period on the last few blocks in the Downtown Wytheville strip. These are the few remaining buildings on Main Street which were not burned down during the 1920s Main Street fire. Additions to the house were built during the 1920s. Stop by to have a first-hand look at the town’s history and enjoy experiencing a working ceramics shop.
