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.

The work and images that Helen Purdum sculpts are derived from people who have made impressions 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

Outside of our scheduled tour dates in 2024 (May 18 & 19 + September 14 & 15), studio visits are by private appointment only. Helen’s ceramic work is often on display at Grovewood Gallery.