April 2, 2012
Earthworks Gallery Opening April 6th in Downtown Greensboro
Downtown Greensboro—Earthworks Gallery, focusing on NC Made art, is opening this week in the Downtown South Elm Historic district known for its antique stores, art galleries and specialty shops.
Molly Lithgo and Jim Rientjes, proprietors, have operated Earthworks Studio just outside Downtown Greensboro on South Cedar Street for over a decade. They’ll expand the business this spring by opening Earthworks Gallery as a space to showcase and sell their ceramics and other artist’s work.
Built in 1895, the store will operate out of a charming two story storefront, that has had its 
fair share of pots thrown here. The building, located at 500 S. Elm Street, was formerly South Elm Pottery owned and operated by Jim Gutsell. Gutsell has since retired from the space and moved his studio to Lithgo and Rientjes’ space on South Cedar. “It was a good opportunity to get into this building, and keep pottery alive on this side of the tracks,” commented Rientjes.
Earthworks’ primary focus will be pottery, but the gallery will
also offer other gift items, such as jewelry, soap, note cards and candles; all made by North Carolina artisans. With North Carolina being one of the richest pottery states in the country, Lithgo and Rientjes will be stocking the shelves with a diverse selection of pieces from around the state, about a third being local to Greensboro. “Local Representation is important but so is diversity,” said Lithgo. “We want to represent potters local to Greensboro while also bringing in artists whose work will be new to the area.”
On First Friday, April 6th, Lithgo and Rientjes will unveil the renovated space and open the door to the public. The gallery will showcase the art of Lorrie Anderson of Thomasville, who will be demonstrating her sculpted owl jars in store. The opening will be the beginning of many more demonstrations, as Earthworks will feature a different event each First Friday.
Earthworks Gallery is located at 500 S. Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27406. Hours are: Tuesday to Saturday: 11am - 6pm, Sunday: 12pm- 5pm. Phone number: 336-275-1202
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