Carvel & Ashley Norman: Founders & Artists of Dirty South Pottery

Q&A with Carvel & Ashley Norman: Founders & Artists of Dirty South Pottery

Q: In a few sentences, tell me about yourself.

A: "We are a married couple who moved to Winchester in 2013 right before our wedding. In 2014 we purchased an empty building in downtown Winchester, and transformed it into our pottery studio & home. Our shop opened in 2015 & carries our handmade pottery alongside other American-made goods & gift sets. We've been involved with community events & other activities in our downtown for several years, and live above our studio & store with our 4 pets."

Q: Describe yourself in three words.

A: "Artistic, hard-working, innovative"

Q: We live in Winchester so I have to ask....are you an Ale 8 drinker?

A: "Yes"

Q: Are you a dog or cat person?

A: "We have 4 pets"

Q: What's your favorite season?

A: "Fall"

Q: How long have you lived in Winchester?

A: "Ashley was born & raised here, Carvel moved to Winchester in 2013"

Q: What are you known for around town?

A: "Most people just say "oh, you're the potters!" when we introduce ourselves, so I guess that's what we are best known for. "

Q: If you work or own a business in Winchester… what is it that you do and/or what is your

business?

A: "Own & operate Dirty South Pottery on North Main Street. It is store where you can shop handmade goods & gifts for those who enjoy the artistic side of life."

Q: Where is your favorite place to eat in Winchester?

A: " La Trattoria - It's dangerous being just a few doors down from it!"

Q: What are some of your favorite places to go in Winchester-Clark County?

A: "We enjoy Legacy Grove, our downtown neighborhood, and the Daily Grind"

Q: In what ways are you involved in the community?

A: "We have created a few community-centric events, including our annual Scooped: Ice Cream & Pottery Event. We have also volunteered with Main Street Winchester on projects in our neighborhood, including the Better Block Project in 2015"

Q: What, in your opinion, makes Winchester-Clark County a unique or special place to live?

A: "It has all the small town charm, with access to outside resources. The historic downtown has a lot of entrepreneurs who make each shop & eatery special, and there is a community here that really works hard to make this a great place to live. We also have easy access to I-64 and I-75, which makes this a good place to call home while enjoying the convenience of working or visiting other cities."

Q: If you were going to introduce someone to Winchester-Clark County for the first time, what places, faces or activities would you tell them not to miss?

A: "They have to try beer cheese! One or all of the stops on the Beer Cheese Trail would be a must (our favorite is Full Circle Market's Hot Beer Cheese), as well as enjoying the dining & shopping in our downtown. Round it off with a stop at Abettor or Wildcat Willy's for a drink."