Deep in the Mississippi Delta, nestled just within the Mound Bayou city limits, stand a couple of unassuming brown wooden buildings that beckon visitors from far and wide. These structures are home to the studio and showroom of Peter’s Pottery, a business that has blossomed into an artistic and financial triumph for the Woods family over the past two decades. Their pottery, a blend of functionality and artistic expression, has become a beloved emblem of the Delta region.
A Family Business Forged in Mississippi Mud
The Woods family are the artisans behind these custom creations, skillfully crafting each piece from the rich Mississippi mud, primarily sourcing clay from Louisville and Columbus. This connection to the land is palpable in every item, from their robust dinnerware to their delicate decorative pieces.
The Roots of Resilience
Perseverance and pride are the cornerstones of Peter Woods’ story. When faced with the challenge of securing a bank loan to launch his family’s venture, this Mound Bayou native didn’t falter. Demonstrating unwavering commitment, Woods sold his home and maximized his credit cards to generate the necessary capital to establish Peter’s Pottery alongside his three brothers. Today, this deeply rooted family enterprise distributes its distinctive Mississippi mud pottery to 25 retail locations and ships orders across the globe. This remarkable success story is a testament to perseverance, relentless hard work, and inherent talent.
Equally important is the profound sense of pride that permeates every aspect of their business. This pride manifests in the deep respect and dignity the family holds for their heritage, their parents, and the community that nurtured them. Sandy Sr. and Ruthie Woods, their parents, were sharecroppers who instilled strong values in their children within the embrace of the church in Mound Bayou, a historic Freedman’s town. The values of their faith and the unique spirit of Mound Bayou profoundly shaped the Woods siblings. Now, Peter and his family are dedicated to contributing to the revitalization of this historic community through their thriving business.
“When we embarked on this journey, our entire family rallied together, supporting each other until we achieved financial stability. We had each other’s backs,” Peter recalls. “That’s the foundation we were raised upon.”
Peter’s Pottery remains a family affair. The majority of their 19 employees, fifteen to be precise, are members of the Woods family, working harmoniously as a cohesive team. Though only two of the original four Woods brothers are still living, Peter and his brother, along with their sister Brenda, are dedicated to mentoring and training the next generation of Woods family potters, ensuring the legacy continues.
“It’s a family business, and we are incredibly fortunate to work together,” Peter emphasizes. “Each of us brings our unique creativity to the table, and the pieces are truly a collective effort. While disagreements may arise, we never let them impede our progress. It’s a collaborative environment where we all contribute diverse skills and perspectives.”
Crafting a Lasting Artistic Heritage
Before venturing out to establish their own pottery business, Peter and his older brothers, Joseph, Arthur, and Sandy, honed their skills for many years at McCarty’s Pottery in nearby Merigold. McCarty’s Pottery, founded in 1948, was the brainchild of Lee and Pup McCarty, a local couple who transformed a mule barn into an artistic haven. They employed the Woods brothers and other local artisans, contributing to the creation of McCarty pottery, which has garnered international recognition. Peter acknowledges the McCartys, alongside his late older brother, Joseph, as significant mentors in his artistic journey.
Dr. Rolando Herts, Director of The Delta Center for Culture and Learning, aptly stated, “If Mound Bayou is the ‘Jewel of the Delta,’ then Peter’s Pottery should be considered a ‘Jewel of the Jewel’ for its artistic creations and its valuable economic contributions.”
In 1984, Peter Woods enrolled at Delta State University (DSU) after dedicating five years to McCarty’s. He pursued accounting with a minor in art, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1989. Woods’ accomplishments were recognized when he was named Outstanding Alumnus of the Year and inducted into the Delta State Hall of Fame in 2018.
Following graduation, Woods continued his work at McCarty’s until 1998. It was then that Peter and his brothers decided to merge his business acumen with the family’s artistic talents, giving birth to their own studio. They named their venture “Peter’s Pottery” leveraging Peter’s established reputation among previous clientele.
Woods initially sought a direct loan from a local financial institution and initiated the application process for a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan. However, both avenues proved unsuccessful.
“We took that leap of faith, selling Peter’s house because the bank was hesitant to invest in an artist, and the SBA process was entangled in excessive bureaucracy,” Woods explained. “We turned to prayer for guidance.”
After liquidating his assets, Woods and his brothers pooled together $200,000, the seed capital for their pottery studio. With their collective “sweat equity,” as Peter describes it, they constructed their building just outside Mound Bayou, on land owned by their brother Joseph. After selling his home, Peter moved back in with his mother and later built his own residence adjacent to the family business. Sadly, their father, Sandy Sr., passed away in 1996, before witnessing his family’s remarkable success.
Their unwavering dedication culminated in the grand opening of Peter’s Pottery at the Talk of the Town store in Batesville on November 15, 1998. Eager customers queued to admire their pottery. “From that day forward, we have been truly blessed,” Woods recounts. Peter’s Pottery now sells approximately 8,000 pieces annually through their showroom, retail partners across Mississippi and neighboring states, and mail orders.
“We are constantly striving to meet the overwhelming demand,” Peter admits.
The Woods family’s creations encompass both functional and aesthetically pleasing custom pieces, all shaped from the distinctive Mississippi mud. Their color palette features muted glazes, aptly named “dogwood brown,” “dirty jade,” “bayou blue,” and “cotton white,” reflecting the natural beauty of their surroundings. The gentle contours and flowing lines evident in each piece showcase their commitment to both beauty and the artistry of pottery. Their collection, ranging from earthy vases and bowls to dinnerware, pitchers, platters, and lifelike animal figurines, is designed for everyday use and enjoyment.
A unique tradition at the studio is the annual release of a new ceramic keepsake. Peter explains that these keepsakes have become a signature element of Peter’s Pottery. Rabbit keepsakes are particularly significant, with each one named after a member of the family. One rabbit honors the Woods brothers’ sister who succumbed to breast cancer, while two others are named after nephews who have been integral to the business since its inception. These unique rabbit keepsakes are highly sought-after collectibles, especially among Mississippians.
Peter Woods is also committed to mentoring emerging young Black ceramicists, addressing the historical underrepresentation in the pottery world.
A Legacy of Giving Back to the Community
With 41 years dedicated to the craft, Peter Woods is now passionate about passing on his artistic and business expertise to the next generation of Black ceramicists. He and Sandy are currently training his nephews, Jervis and Arthur Jr., in the art of creating their signature pottery. Recognizing the historical dominance of white artists in the ceramics field, Woods actively mentors aspiring young Black ceramicists. He is currently mentoring a young artist in nearby Monticello.
“I want to extend the same support and guidance that I received,” Woods explains.
Woods’ commitment to giving back extends beyond the artistic realm. He serves as vice president of the board of Bolivar County Medical Center and president of the board of Saint Gabriel Mercy Center. He is also actively involved in the Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce, the Cleveland Tourism Commission, his church, and his alma mater, Delta State University.
The city of Mound Bayou is deeply intertwined with the identity of Peter’s Pottery. The siblings grew up and received their education in Mound Bayou schools, solidifying their connection to the community.
Dr. Rolando Herts highlights, “The historic Black town of Mound Bayou is celebrated as the ‘Jewel of the Delta’ for its rich history of African American resourcefulness, ingenuity, and profound sense of place.” He continues, “Peter’s Pottery embodies the continuation of this legacy, a collection of Delta-inspired treasures crafted by the skilled hands of Mound Bayou natives.”
Dr. Herts further emphasizes, “If Mound Bayou is the ‘Jewel of the Delta,’ then Peter’s Pottery undoubtedly deserves recognition as a ‘Jewel of the Jewel,’ both for its exceptional artistic creations and its significant economic contributions.” “Peter’s Pottery attracts pottery enthusiasts from across the nation, stimulating tourism and visitor spending in our region. In fact, tourism and local government leaders nominated Peter’s Pottery for inclusion among the Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area’s Top 40 Places to Visit in the Mississippi Delta.”
“Our vision was to put Mound Bayou back on the map,” Woods states.
Mound Bayou Mayor Eulah Peterson affirms, “Peter’s Pottery provides significant economic support and positive public relations for Mound Bayou, as they are recognized worldwide.” Peterson, a high school classmate of the eldest Woods brother, Joseph, adds, “They are an exceptionally positive family who collaborate effectively. They are also deeply committed to our community.”
At the Woods family’s request, Mound Bayou expanded its city limits to encompass Peter’s Pottery, ensuring that the city would benefit from the sales tax revenue generated by the business. “We wanted to bring Mound Bayou back into the spotlight,” Woods explains.
The workshop, showroom, and Peter’s residence are situated on Fortune Street, a fittingly named location that has indeed brought fortune to this remarkable family. Their business logo incorporates a cross into the letter P, symbolizing their unwavering faith.
“You can never fully anticipate God’s plan,” Woods reflects. “But if you keep faith at the center of all you do, you will find success.”
Peter Woods and his family have witnessed the harmonious convergence of fortune and faith, resulting in a thriving business that perpetuates their family’s artistic legacy within the heart of the Jewel of the Delta.
