It’s been an unbelievable year of milestones across our county, state, and nation. America 250 festivities are already underway, and throughout 2025, we’ve recognized anniversaries celebrating farm heritage, Southern Supreme’s signature nutty fruitcake, and award-winning honey wine and cider from North Carolina’s Oldest Meadery, Starrlight Mead.
Before 2026 begins, we’re taking time to highlight one more anniversary for a Chatham County hidden gem tucked along the banks of the Haw River: Mays Pottery. For the past 40 years, UNC students, art lovers, and discerning shoppers alike have all ventured to Martha Cooper’s studio to add her exquisite hand-thrown pottery to their collections.
Martha and Nathan, a mother-and-son team, come from a rich pottery heritage. Martha Cooper is a master potter, esteemed artist, and local entrepreneur who, after years of studying and honing her craft in studios throughout North Carolina’s Piedmont region, opened her own gallery along the banks of the Haw River in 1985.
Nathan Mays, Martha’s son, grew up making pots in his mother’s studio and was naturally drawn to the throwing wheel. He brings a fascination with folk art to the studio that, while distinct, complements Martha’s traditional Japanese bamboo brushwork and pastel matte finishes. Together, the duo crafts beautiful and functional hand-thrown pottery, tableware, and one-of-a-kind porcelain art.
No matter which piece (or pieces) you choose to bring home, traditional techniques, exceptional craftsmanship, and brilliant colors are all trademarks of their work. All pottery made at Mays is hand-thrown; no other methods are used.
Customer stories reflect the quality and longevity of her pieces. UNC students, stopping by her studio for a “little local, a little inspiration, and a lot less big box…” would discover charming everyday items that, Martha paraphrased, were “better made than the things that could be discarded after a year or two if purchased from a discount store.”
“Later, they would come back if they pursued graduate school or began their first job, and then, they could indulge in a tiny splurge. Soon, these Tar Heels would start a family and return, ready for an upgrade…” and, perhaps, a chance to catch up with Martha and reminisce on old memories.
Much has changed over the last year, let alone the last 40, but the enduring quality of Mays Pottery and Martha’s refreshing, sunny disposition to all who visit have remained consistent staples in our community. We welcome you to Chatham County this year to discover (or rediscover) this fabulous hidden gem!
Chatham Celebrates America 250 was supported through a grant from America 250 NC, a program of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
