Hot Springs (Garland County) is known for its natural beauty, which extends to its arts scene. The historic downtown area has art galleries, studios, and public art installations that showcase the work of local artists. The proximity to Hot Springs National Park inspires many artists, drawing on the area's natural beauty and historical significance. One of the remarkable establishments preserving a centuries-old art form is Dryden Pottery, found on Whittington Avenue in the beautiful Spa City.
Dryden Pottery was established by James “Jim” Dryden in Kansas before relocating to Hot Springs in 1956. Over the years, it has garnered a reputation as a collectible brand and has been featured in Schroeder’s Antique Guide.
Born the son of a successful hardware merchant in Ellsworth, Kansas, Dryden spent his formative years working alongside his father. After serving in the South Pacific during World War II, he returned home searching for a job. Despite his passion for art, particularly cartooning, he realized it wasn’t a viable path to support his family. A fortuitous encounter with the renowned ceramicist Norman Plumber sparked an innovative idea that merged his artistic inclinations with pottery production. This led him to the University of Kansas, where he studied ceramics under the guidance of Sheldon Carey. After navigating numerous challenges in a short time, Dryden Pottery was officially launched in Ellsworth, with its inaugural sales taking place in his father’s Dryden Hardware store in 1946.
To grow his business, Dryden employed a range of inventive sales strategies. From creating personalized pottery for customers to organizing pottery contests for children, he understood the importance of engaging the community. He also made headlines with a series of cartoon advertisements featuring local materials, distinctive labels on each piece, pottery tours, and even a rattlesnake attraction alongside complimentary ice water. His vibrant handmade pottery quickly found markets across the United States, but Dryden yearned for a busier location. After conducting an extensive survey of potential sites nationwide, he ultimately chose Hot Springs for its abundant raw materials and high number of hotel rooms per capita. In 1956, he moved his family and the kilns, startup materials, and plaster molds to this bustling community.
Dryden discovered clay in nearby Malvern (Hot Spring County), perfect for brickmaking, and obtained permission to excavate there. Talc sourced from Bryant (Saline County) and quartz from the Ouachita Mountains became essential for his pottery glazes. His customer base primarily included tourists flocking to Hot Springs National Park, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, and other area attractions.
He found a warm welcome in the Hot Springs business scene, acquiring property at 341 Whittington Avenue, conveniently located near the national park. Dryden implemented his successful business strategies from Kansas, emphasizing long hours and innovative marketing tactics—like playful cartoon character imagery—to entice visitors to his factory. Guests were invited to observe skilled craftsmen at work before browsing in the showroom. He utilized a high-speed dental drill for personalizing pre-fired pottery before glazing and final firing, creating unique souvenirs that took time but offered great appeal. The spacious showroom attracted shoppers, with bus tours providing free factory walkthroughs, where employees explained the transformation from raw materials to finished pieces.
Over the years, Dryden Pottery evolved significantly. Additions to the buildings and the installation of high-capacity kilns marked a turning point. The focus gradually shifted from molded and poured clay to predominantly wheel-thrown pottery. Dryden’s son, James K. (“Kimbo”), along with many employees, mastered the art of wheel-making. Thrown pottery pieces prominently featured the potter’s initials, the production date, and a distinctive Dryden logo decal. Each potter developed a unique style, with artistry flourished through local decorators who enhanced some pieces with clay relief designs and painted glaze motifs. Dryden often collaborated with his son, adding his characteristic cartoon fish motif to some of the thrown pots.
Dryden Pottery has proudly thrived through three generations of family craftsmanship. Today, Kimbo Dryden’s sons, Zack and Cheyenne, contribute their artistic flair, expanding the collection with exquisite porcelain pieces, intricate glasswork, sparkling crystal glazing, and a selection of unique Raku pots.
Free demonstrations on the potter's wheel happen Monday through Friday at 10 AM and 11 AM, with sessions available throughout the day on Saturdays. For more details about Dryden Pottery or to shop their products online, check out www.DrydenPottery.com.
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