Building a Rainbow
In the history of East Fork potheads—the nickname we’ve given our fans—the @eastforkpotheads, Chuck and Glen, are relatively new to the scene, but in just over a year they’ve become vibrant and generous members of the EF collector community.
Known for sharing creative arrangements of their colorful collection on Instagram, Chuck and Glen took things a step further by donating all their affiliate commissions to local relief efforts after Hurricane Helene. Whether it’s energizing early-morning lines at our Seconds Pop-ups or bringing good vibes on launch days at our Asheville store, they’re always a joy to have around.
Chuck and Glen graciously invited us into their (newly renovated and very beautiful) Asheville home to check out their collection and hear about their glaze faves and collecting style. Read on to get to know the East Fork Potheads in this #EastForkDoesMyDishes feature!
Introducing @eastforkpotheads
How did you get started collecting East Fork? How did you find out about us, and how long have you been collecting?
A good friend shared her Early Access ticket for the Asheville Seconds Sale in October of 2023 (thank you, Sarah!). Until then, we didn't know much about East Fork. We still remember that day, wondering why there was such a long line of happy, excited people.
When we walked through the door, we quickly figured it out. We were taken by the combination of beautiful, functional pottery. And the East Fork team was so kind and welcoming (heart you Jenny).
We've fashioned our little East Fork IG page after that first experience: highlighting the "fun" in functional, as well as the beautiful, diverse community that makes and loves it. Fun sidenote: our foray into East Fork coincided with a kitchen renovation. We were having a hard time determining kitchen colors, so we went with white and neutrals that would be a "canvas" for East Fork glazes that we now change out based on season, mood, etc.
I know it's impossible, but if you HAD to choose, what are your favorite glazes and forms?
This is kind of like asking a parent which is their favorite kid. For core glazes, we have fallen for Panna Cotta. It has a warmth to it that pairs so well with moodier glazes.
When it comes to seasonal colors, Prune, Pollen, and Fiddlehead are so rich and happy in their own ways. All of that said, on a daily basis we typically select glazes based on our mood.
As for forms, G loves a Big Mug for his Iced Americanos in the morning and Kulhads for wine at night. CK loves a Tiny Cup for espresso shots and The Mug for pretty much everything else.
You travel around the country to quite a few of our Seconds Pop-ups. What are you looking for when you go into a Seconds Sale?
Our focus at Seconds Sales has evolved over time. We originally went to fill in gaps on certain forms and glazes. Then we realized there were usually "treasures" (hard to find pieces) at Pop-ups.
What has been the most fun, though, is waiting in line with other Potheads. It's turned into a big party for us. We'll get there early, turn on some tunes, and have a blast hanging out with the EF community.
A big shout out to Layson Peters for creating such memorable experiences at the Seconds Sales!
More speckles or less speckles?
100% as many speckles as possible. We love the character they bring to each piece. We are also huge fans of drips, pinholes, and thumbprints that are more commonly found in Seconds and wheel-thrown items.
Beautiful florals arranged by Carolina Flowers.
Is there a dream piece you're looking to add to your collection that you haven't found yet?
There are a few East Fork treasures we have been manifesting for a while now. For G, it's the Lapis Stein. CK has been looking for the elusive Prune Tiny Cup and Bitty Bowl.
For pieces we don't believe exist, a wheel-thrown Prune Vase (the bigger the better) and Prune Oval or Serving Platter. #weswoonforprune
Were you two and your home okay after Hurricane Helene? Can you tell us about the donations you made using your affiliate commissions in the aftermath of the storm?
Some minor damage to our home, though we were very lucky considering the devastation writ-large.
As for affiliate donations, we want to shine a light on how East Fork played a leading role in not just raising funds for Western NC relief, but inspiring East Fork community members to contribute in their own ways. Like so many other Potheads out there, funds from our affiliate page went strictly to East Fork's Community Partners such as Beloved Asheville, Equal Plates Project, Center for Native Health, etc.
What our little page raised is a drop in the bucket up against total need, though the collective efforts of all the EF Potheads out there was significant. Big props to Alex, Patty, and all of East Fork for centering community in their work all year long.
