Thompson Garden Gallery’s current featured artist is potter Jim Cullen whose world goes round.

He lives in a round house; he throws mostly round pots in a round studio. Cullen is a retired filmmaker who relocated to Polk County from the midwest. He discovered the art and craft of pottery in 1976. After taking numerous workshops with various instructors in many locations, he started to teach others. He has instructed classes at the Spartanburg County Museum Art School and at Tryon Arts & Crafts.

Educating others about pottery has become a life goal. In 2001, Cullen became a charter member of the Potters Council, a nonprofit subsidiary of The American Ceramic Society. The council is open to individuals who are passionate about pottery and who want to continue making the craft accessible to anyone interested. Also, the council provides forums for knowledge exchange and for professional enhancement.

For Cullen, his ceramics provide surfaces to paint and to carve patterns. These elements convey Cullen’s thoughts and feelings.

“For me, throwing and decorating pots are forms of meditation,” Cullen said. “In these processes, I gain immense satisfaction as well as a sense of accomplishment.”

Thompson Garden Gallery’s owner, Erin Thompson, comments, “We feel so fortunate to carry Jim Cullen’s pottery here. There’s an amazing variety in his work — all at affordable prices.”

Thompson Garden Gallery showcases approximately 40 regional artisans among handpicked items for the home and garden. Summer gallery hours are from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. During the Saturday, Aug. 10, Gallery Trot, come by and meet Jim Cullen at Thompson Garden Gallery at 83 Palmer Street in downtown Tryon.

On this special occasion, Cullen will be on hand from 5–8 p.m. to answer any questions about pottery. In the meantime, check out his website www.roundhousepottery.com. There you can see photos of his pots, bowls, plates and platters and learn more about the science of pottery. – article submitted by Mara Smith