Get an inside look into the legacy of W.J. Gordy and his family

Join us for a special presentation with potter Darrell Adams as he shares stories about the traditions and legacy of his grandfather, potter W.J. Gordy, and other members of the Gordy family.

We are also proud to present the premier of the short film, From Heart to Hands – The Life and Work of Bill Gordy, by Bob Wheeler. Taken from two interviews with Mr. W. J. Gordy in March 1992 and May 1993, the film shows Mr. Gordy at work in his studio, demonstrating various techniques of forming pottery and describing the tools and steps involved in creating one of his pieces. In the film, Mr. Gordy also discusses his early years working with his father and other potters, the starting of his business in Cartersville, and his transition from pottery for function to “Art Pottery”.

This lecture is free for members, and $7 for not-yet-members.

Get Tickets Here

Get to Know the Speaker

Darrell Adams developed his interest in pottery through his grandfather and great-uncle, W.J (Bill) and D.X. Gordy, both being lifelong potters. Darrell grew up in Gainesville, Florida and following the completion of a BFA in Art from the University of Georgia in 1984 he moved to Cartersville, Georgia to work with his grandfather as his apprentice. In 1986 Darrell set up his own studio and in 1993 began working in his grandfather’s studio after his passing. In 2006 Darrell returned to Gainesville, Florida where he has continued to develop his work in the Gordy tradition focusing principally on wood- fired functional art pottery and stoneware jars with wooden lids that he turns on a lathe.