Pottery Traditions:
Cherokee Welcome Center

Located in the heart of Cherokee, the Cherokee Welcome Center helps tourists get the most out of their visit to the Qualla Boundary. Learn more about Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, an artisan cooperative, where visitors can purchase authentic Cherokee-made pottery, as well as other arts and crafts. A permanent collection gallery showcases the work of Cherokee elders, including potters Rebecca Youngbird, Maude Welch, Cora Wahnetah, the Bigmeat family, Amanda Swimmer, and others. Across the road is the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, which hosts a number of festivals and annual events. Beside the Visitor Center is Medicine Man Crafts, opened in 1963, where visitors can buy arts and crafts. Just a mile or so beyond town is the Oconaluftee Indian Village, an outdoor living history museum where visitors stroll through a replica of an 18th century village to watch Cherokee artisans make any number of crafts, including pottery.
Welcome Center, 498 Tsali Blvd.,Cherokee;
800-438-1601;
http://www.visitcherokeenc.com/