Mayan Dryden and Zack Dryden. Potters cross their arms because idle hands make… more pottery. And they’re already out of shelf space.
Mayan, Jennifer, & Zack.
The guy behind the scenes. Photographer…Jeremy Rodgers
Dryden Pottery, a cornerstone of American ceramic arts and a local “hidden gem,” is proud to announce its 80th anniversary this April 2026.
Nestled in the quiet community of Whittington Valley—just off the beaten path from the bustling Bathhouse Row—Dryden Pottery has reached an extraordinary milestone: the “Millionaires Club.”
Since its inception, the studio has produced over one million individual pieces of hand-crafted pottery, placing it among the longest-running original family-owned American art potteries in continuous operation.
The Kansas Roots (1946–1956)
The story began in 1946 following founder A.J. “Jimmy” Dryden’s service in World War II. Utilizing a GI Grant, Mr. Dryden purchased a Quonset hut in Ellsworth, Kansas, to establish his own pottery factory.
Known for his pioneering volcanic ash glazes and personalized pieces, Jimmy’s vision saw rapid success. By 1949, the factory was producing 1,000 pieces per day and selling to 600 stores across 22 states, including Macy’s in New York.
The Arkansas Evolution
In 1956, seeking to utilize rich local minerals and a thriving tourism market, Jimmy relocated the studio to its current home in Hot Springs, Arkansas. While the transition began slowly, the studio eventually grew to employ 19 people, churning out thousands of pieces a week. During its peak years of expansion, the factory became a major regional attraction, providing continuous tours to thousands of tourists who came to witness the magic of the potter’s wheel.
A Four-Generation Legacy
Over the decades, the legacy has been carefully preserved and evolved. Jimmy’s son, Kimbo Dryden, took the helm as the second generation, dedicating his life to the craft and ultimately receiving the Arkansas Living Treasure award in 2022. The tradition continues today with Kimbo’s son, Zack Dryden, who represents the third generation of master craftsmanship.
Now, the fourth generation—Zack’s nephew, Mayan Dryden—is learning the family trade, ensuring the kiln stays lit for decades to come.
“Eighty years is more than just a number; it’s a testament to our family’s dedication to the art of pottery,” said Zack Dryden. “From my grandfather’s first studio in Kansas to our workshop here in the Ouachita Mountains, we’ve stayed true to creating one-of-a-kind, hand-thrown pieces that people can cherish for a lifetime.”
80th Anniversary Celebration
To celebrate this milestone, Dryden Pottery will host a reception with refreshments, music, and live demonstrations on the evening of Gallery Walk, Friday, May 1st.
2026 will feature the release of a limited-edition, numbered, and signed 80th-anniversary commemorative collection: the “Flower” series. This collection is a collaboration between Zack Dryden and artist Long Hua Xu, featuring glazes that pay homage to the brand’s Kansas roots and its evolution in the Natural State.
About Dryden Pottery:
Located at 341 Whittington Ave, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, Dryden Pottery is a world-renowned studio specializing in hand-thrown ceramics. Each piece is an original work of art, created using proprietary clay and glaze recipes—utilizing local quartz—developed over eighty years of family history. Learn more at www.drydenpottery.com and Facebook: Dryden Pottery.
