Jim Anderson took a learned path on the way to being a potter whose works have been exhibited throughout the mid-South. On Friday, April 17, an exhibit of the Hernando resident”s work opens at the Macon Welcome Center on South Jefferson Street, where it will be through May 8.
Anderson graduated from high school in Macon, and finished at Mississippi State University in mathematics. While at MSU, he worked in the library, and later received a master”s degree in Library Science from Louisiana State University. While working at Arkansas State University, he added another degree in Business Administration. From 1972 to 2004, he was director of the First Regional Library system in Hernando.
After retiring in 2004, Anderson “took a couple of classes” and dived into a hobby, which became a second career — as a craftsman potter. Most of Anderson”s stoneware is thrown on an electric wheel. The Craftsmen”s Guild of Mississippi member has perfected his own glazes and takes pride in the versatility of his pieces.
“My style can be described as somewhat basic. This is partly by design,” he said. “I do strive to make my pottery functional. Each piece should serve a useful purpose other than simply being decorative. I believe that a truly functional piece of pottery that fits in the hand and does what it is supposed to do has an innate beauty all its own.”
Anderson”s exhibit is sponsored by Main Street Macon, the City of Macon, The Noxubee Alliance and Noxubee Historical Society. The Macon Welcome Center is an award-winning restoration building in Macon”s Historical District.
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