By By Adam Robinson
Shannon Brantley is known in the Brewton area for his talent with music and serving up good food as the owner of George’s BBQ — but what some may not know about him is his talent with pottery and his wheel-thrown pottery.
Brantley’s talent will be on display Saturday at the 29th annual Alabama Blueberry Festival, to be held downtown at Burnt Corn Creek Park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Brantley will be among four local artists showcasing their work, along with arts and crafts vendors from around the region.
After graduating from T.R. Miller High School in 1994, Brantley attended Jefferson Davis Community College for two years.
Brantley planned to study an environmental field, but his biggest enjoyment came from a pottery class.
Brantley transferred from JDCC to Troy State University, where he graduated in 1999 with a degree in environmental science.
After graduating from Troy, Brantley was offered a unique opportunity.
Brantley said it was the greatest job he had ever had — except for one thing.
Brantley was then told they would double his salary.
Brantley said after a potter throws a piece, it has to get dry.
After that, Brantley takes the pieces out of the bisque, after eight to 10 hours, watches them get red and the glaze gets bumpy and slips out. That’s when the piece is finished.
Brantley still takes Tuesday night classes at JDCC.
With his busy schedule at Georges BBQ and playing music on the side, Brantley said he wishes it could do more with pottery than what he does.
The 2009 Blueberry Festival will be the first festival for Brantley.
Other local crafters are Melanie McGougin with personalized children’s items, Patsy Lato with Wilkinson’s of Norwich coffee and tea and Gay’s pottery.