Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail
What inspired you to start your business? How did your business get started?
A small group of potters in western MA decided 15 years ago to host a springtime studio tour. There was a well-established studio tour in Minnesota that inspired many artists to follow this new model for selling their work (instead of, or in addition to selling at craft shows and galleries.)
My name is Tiffany Hilton, one of nine core members of the collective pottery studio tour which happens the last weekend of April. We all bring different skills to the table to help coordinate and promote this annual event. Mostly, I coordinate the press efforts for print, radio, tv and try to extend our promotional reach a little further each year.
Tell us a little bit about your business.
The Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail is a self-guided studio tour of potters in Western Massachusetts, occurring annually. This vibrant springtime tradition showcases the work and work spaces of a group of nationally known potters and additional guest artists. Visit the scenic historic towns and beautiful back roads of the Asparagus Valley, a local name for the upper Connecticut River valley of western MA.
Our tour showcases the work and workspaces of a group of nationally known potters and additional invited guest artists. Visitors and collectors are excited to see where the creative process happens for each of us. Studios are tucked into wooded lots, converted barns, small town storefronts, industrial factories and backyard oases. The event is free and self-guided with a map available on our website and roadside signs directing people to each studio. We offer raffle prizes and incentives to encourage people to visit at least 7 or all 9 of the studios.
What is your favorite thing to do in your business?
Well, I think all of us would agree that we love being in our studios making pots more than anything. The weekend tour has grown to be a regular event for many customers, collectors and friends, and it’s a real pleasure to see everyone come through our studios and ask us questions about our work. We get a lot of young potters or students hoping to be a full-time artist someday and it’s an inspirational weekend for them to see what can come of hard work and dedication to one’s craft.
As a group, the nine of us, plus our additional guest artists occasionally get all our studios ready one day early so that we can pile into a few cars and GO on the Pottery Trail ourselves! We try to make this happen every few years. Also, where there are pots, there is food! We offer light refreshments at each studio with some seasonal snacks if the asparagus and fiddleheads are up in time for the weekend.
If nothing else, what is the one piece of information you want someone to know about your business?
We are a collective of self-employed, full-time artists who love working with clay and engaging with our community. We partner with many local businesses that sponsor our event and support the vibrant arts community in western MA. Hundreds of visitors come to the Pottery Trail from New England, NY, and beyond – needing overnight accommodations and restaurant recommendations for their weekend getaway. Lefty’s Brewery even makes a small batch of Pottery Trail Ale in the spring as a way of joining in the fun and supporting the arts!
What is the one piece of business advice you would like to share?
It took about 8 years until our event was well established, more profitable and received exposure through the Boston Globe. These things take time to grow and require dedication and teamwork. We are so grateful for the support of many other small businesses in the valley who have cheered us on since those first few years.
We are not your average Chamber Member… and are thrilled to join as seasonal members and to connect with area businesses and access the resources that the Chamber has to offer.