Get Crafty

Washington County Pottery Trail showcases work of 10 local ceramic artists

Written by Joseph Ritacco

Ceramic artists on the Washington County Pottery Trail are, from left, Denise Joyal, Pam Hall, Bill van Gilder, Allison Severance, Dirk Martin, Kirke Martin and Mark Poole. Not pictured are Tameria Martinez, Stephen Wright and Hunt Prothro.

While perusing the tourism guide for Hagerstown/Washington County, Kirke Martin came to the realization that more could be done to highlight the community of ceramic artists in the area, of which he is a longstanding member. It was Washington County’s “Grapes & Grains” tour of area wineries, breweries and distilleries, in particular, that caught his attention and inspired him to pitch the idea of a Washington County Pottery Trail linking 10 local potters who make the

South Mountain Corridor home.

Launched in 2022, the Pottery Trail celebrates the rich agricultural history and cultural vitality of the area, as well as the longstanding connection between pottery, nature and food. It has also help to boost business for its participants.

“It’s a cooperative group,” says Martin, who operates M4 Studios and Gallery in Keedysville, Md. “We’ve been able to attract more visitors to our studios, and to each other’s.”

He adds, “There is a large group of creative people in this area because of its beauty – the beauty of the landscape, the hills, the Potomac River, and the proximity to Washington, D.C.”

Among the most common visitors to the Pottery Trail are residents from the Pittsburgh, Pa., or Washington, D.C., areas who stop in during camping trips and/or hiking excursions. Those who visit Martin’s M4 Studios and Gallery will find a range of functional and sculptural ceramics fusing traditional techniques and independent designs. He has 30 years of experience and specializes in