Helen Purdum

Ceramic artist Helen Purdum has been a resident artist at Grovewood Village since 2007. At just 17, she started her journey with clay, a medium she lovingly says chose her rather than the other way around.

After a career in the corporate world, Helen swapped office life for the artistic buzz of Asheville. She threw herself into her craft full-time, refining her techniques at the renowned Penland School of Crafts. A particular class in 2005, led by the talented Christina Cordova, left a lasting impact on her.

Helen draws her sculptural imagery from people who have left an imprint on her—“people whose faces seem to personify an ideal.” All of her ceramic art is one-of-a-kind and as unique as the subjects that inspire her.

Studio Visits

Studio visits are by appointment only, except during our Biannual Grovewood Village Studio Tour. See our events section for upcoming tour dates.