Join us for the next 16 hands studio tour

16 Hands Spring 2025

Saturday May 3, 10 am - 5pm

Sunday May 4, 12 pm - 5 pm

About the Tour

In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains there is an enclave of craftspeople who have solidified deep friendships as well as a network of creative, technical, and professional support over the past decades. Drawn to the area by its beauty and tranquility, with much determination, they established working studios, vital careers and a way of life. Over the years these craftspeople mentored new generations, who continue the legacy today.

For the founding members, they shared many common goals and apprehensions, offering each other feedback, assistance and courage. In the fall of 1998 this commonality blossomed into a formalized association called 16 Hands. They recognized a shared desire to deepen the relationship with the people who appreciate their work by inviting them into their studios. Those founding members were Silvie Granatelli, Ellen Shankin, Brad Warstler, Donna Polseno, Rick Hensley, Davin Butterfield, Susan Icove and David Crane.

Over the years many of them attempted this in individual ways, hosting sales independent of one another and on different dates. It became apparent that by joining resources they could offer a broader, more enjoyable experience to a greater number of people by creating a tour of all the studios on the same weekend.

So, the 16 Hands Studio Tours came about, offered twice yearly: currently taking place the third weekend of October and the first weekend in May. In the spring of 2000, each craftsperson opened their doors to welcome visitors year round. The members of 16 Hands have evolved over time, and now include a whole new generation of makers.

The 16 Hands Tour is now composed of ten members.  Josh Manning, Wendy Wrenn Werstlein, Hona Knudsen, Andrea Denniston, Seth Guzovsky and Sarah McCarthy were previously part of another pottery collective, Terra Floyd, and joined forces with 16 Hands in 2019. Abby Reczek and Ron Sutterer were invited to join in 2022; Reida Sage and Hanna Traynham are the newest members, added to 16 Hands in 2025. Each new member, inspired by clay, infuses their work with a diverse range of history, education, and experiences.  

For more than 20 years 16 Hands has worked to broaden and deepen the relationship between maker and those who have grown to value well crafted work. The tradition continues…

If you are interested in viewing work, other than at tour time, e-mail us about studio hours and other details and see the links for shopping above.