The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia has recognized three Northeast Georgia folk potters as "significant contributors" to the 200-year-old tradition of folk pottery in the region.

Mike Craven, Rex Hogan and Kevin "Turkey" Merck will all have examples of their work added to the museum’s permanent collection, according to Chris Brooks, director of the museum in Sautee. The museum will also add the potters’ pictures to the display of contemporary folk potters and add their locations to the Folk Potters Trail of Northeast Georgia.

Craven’s potter ancestors migrated from North Carolina into Georgia in the early 1800s. He and his brother Billy Joe founded Craven Pottery in Gillsville in 1972. After 40 years as a production gardenware potter, Mike Craven now concentrates on decorated wares.

Hogan trained with Mildred Meaders and her daughter Annette, learning to turn and mix glazes. He began turning on a wheel loaned to him by Whelchel Meaders. He specializes in sculptural figures.

Merck trained under three Gillsville potters: Wayne Hewell, Jeff Standridge and Michael Purdue. Realistic snakes and caricature face jugs are his best known creations.