Sue Salvaterra Hintz established Salvaterra Pottery in 1997, but dreamed of owning her own business for many years prior.

As a college administrator at UNC-Asheville, she studied ceramics in the art department. After years of study, she realized this was the business she needed to create. Most people were discouraging, saying she couldn't make a living in the arts...but she had to try.

Once she started working with clay it consumed her thoughts. She couldn't wait until the next time she could sit down at the potters wheel. With big dreams she took a "leap of faith" and opened Salvaterra Pottery.

Selecting a business name was easy. She chose her maiden name, Salvaterra, because of its origins and meaning. The name was created years ago when her ancestors fled to the mountains in Italy to escape a deadly disease. The survivors all took the name Salvaterra, meaning "saving land". Now she finds herself settled in the Blue Ridge Mountains creating pottery. The beauty of the mountains inspires her designs.

Her studio is located in the basement of her home in Weaverville, N.C. Her work is sold through a large variety of shops and local art & craft shows and the internet.

                                             www.salvaterrapottery.com/index.htm