The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia will hold a free open house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 for all visitors.

"We encourage particular attention to our temporary exhibition ‘Another Look at Lanier,’ which shows the versatility of Lanier Meaders, perhaps the best-known representative of a 200-year tradition of folk pottery in this Georgia region," said Museum Director Chris Brooks.

The Smithsonian Institution produced a documentary film about Northeast Georgia folk pottery in 1967, focusing on the Meaders family and featuring interviews and demonstrations of Lanier Meaders’ work.

The documentary was followed by a Folk Art exhibition in Washington, D.C., where Lanier Meaders’ work — particularly his distinctive face jugs — received national recognition.

"Although famous for his face jugs, Lanier Meaders produced utilitarian and decorative ware influenced by the training he received from his parents, Cheever and Arie Meaders," notes Brooks, "and our special exhibition presents examples of this pottery."

Contemporary folk potters Rex Hogan and Suzanne Reese of Mossy Creek and Mike Craven of Gillsville will be demonstrating and selling their wares throughout the open house event.

Visitors may browse the permanent collection and displays and explore regional history and view the work of many other Northeast Georgia artists in the adjoining Sautee Nacoochee Community Center History Museum and Center Gallery.

Local musicians will be performing in the museum throughout the day.

The Folk Pottery Museum is located at the intersection of Ga. 283 and 255, 1/2 mile from the intersection with Ga. 17 and four miles from Alpine Helen.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1-5 a.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults; $4 for seniors and $2 for children. Admission, of course, will be free Saturday, Feb. 16.