The talented potters at The Old Mill’s Pigeon River Pottery have interpreted the “art of barbecue” in a whole new way, by hand-sculpting unique trophies for the winners of the 2011 Bush’s Best TN State Championship BBQ Cook Off at Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass.
The trophies, which include chickens, pigs, bulls, Bush Bean cans and Wampler’s Sausage rolls, add a touch of whimsy to the cook-off and showcase local crafts.
“The trophies are all wheel-thrown and altered pieces, with some hand-building elements tossed in for good measure,” says potter Jason Gore. “For example, the main trophies (bull, chicken and pigs) started out as a half formed vase that Tommy [Bullen] added sculpted heads, beaks and snouts onto.”
“The work Pigeon River Pottery does on the trophies is always creative and incredible,” says Amanda Marr, marketing director for the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce. “Tommy Bullen, Tim Kerns, Jason Gore and the whole staff are very talented and these trophies are a real testament to the fantastic quality of products they produce.”
The pottery has been in operation for a little over 70 years and has been known as Pigeon River Pottery for just over a decade. Located at The Old Mill, Pigeon River Pottery is a production pottery, which means everything from dinner plates and Fusion Platter to coffee mugs and wine chillers are all made under the same roof.
Sevierville’s seventh annual Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass will take place May 20-21, 2011. This family-friendly event will once again bring barbeque cook teams from all over the United States to Sevierville to compete for $15,000 in cash and prizes and the title of Tennessee State Champion in the Bush’s Best TN State Championship Cook Off. Rounding out the event is toe-tapping bluegrass music, incredible arts and crafts, kids’ games and the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition honoring Sevierville’s favorite hometown girl, Dolly Parton.
For more information, go to www.BloominBBQ.com or call 1-888-889-7415.
