{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"House of Folk Art","title":"Episode 26 | Are You Going To Hickory? We Are!","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1316,"description":"In this episode of House of Folk Art, host Matt Ledbetter sits down with his wife, Jennie Ledbetter, to talk about their first experience at the Catawba Valley Pottery Festival in Hickory, North Carolina. This festival is one of the most important folk pottery gatherings in the country, drawing collectors, artists, and enthusiasts from all over. What started as a casual visit for Matt and Jennie quickly turned into an annual tradition, teaching them valuable lessons about navigating the show, meeting top potters, and finding the best pieces.But this year, House of Folk Art is stepping into a new role. Not only will Matt and his team be at the festival, but they will also have their own official booth. Throughout the event, Matt will be conducting live podcast interviews with potters, capturing their stories, techniques, and insights about the folk pottery world. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting started, this episode gives you everything you need to know about attending the festival, what to look for, and why you should stop by to be part of the House of Folk Art experience.Chapters00:00 - Introduction: The First Trip to Hickory 02:30 - Learning the Hard Way: Why the Preview Party Matters 06:45 - Meeting Stacey Lambert and the Art of Selling Out Fast 10:30 - The Shopping Strategy: What to Look For at the Festival 14:15 - The Evolution of Their Collecting Journey 18:40 - The Best Pieces They’ve Ever Bought (and Sold) 22:00 - Pottery as an Investment: How Prices Have Changed Over Time 26:30 - Festival Tips: Booking Hotels, Preview Parties, and the Best Booths 30:45 - The House of Folk Art Booth: Live Interviews & Behind-the-Scenes 35:00 - Final Thoughts: Why Hickory is a Must-Visit for Folk Art FansA Late Start and a Valuable LessonMatt and Jennie’s first trip to the Hickory Pottery Festival was filled with excitement—but also missteps. They arrived about an hour late, assuming they were early enough to get a good look at the best pieces. But when...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/V9-9EJUZ9R45flfIBnsuQ4AwapFGe_rYKiVr1IMQwbU/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzUxNTk0LzE3MTE3/Mzc2MTktYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}