Pottery Artist & Teacher

Olive Ballard Durant, better known as “Lolly” is an experienced exhibit organizer that builds community, connecting craft & people. Receiving M.A. degree in Studio Art/Education from New York University and a B.A. degree in Studio Art/Education from Converse College for Women in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Olive is employed as Adjunct Professor at Lee University, Cleveland, TN; and teaches Art Methods, Printmaking, and is a Supervisor to Student Art Teachers.

Forty-plus years of teaching visual art, Olive’s passion is in working with others in a collaborative effort to keep the integrity of visual arts alive in her community. As an individual artist, she is like a wet-weather spring, constantly moving, flowing, building momentum and expanding horizons. Her ceramic career launched in 2006 under the tutelage of Talley Johnson. Talley encouraged her to market her pottery, hone her throwing skills and to become an active Tennessee Craft member.  Olive at the present time teaches pottery with Scenic City Clay Arts in Chattanooga, TN.

A self-employed; artist, educator, potter and printmaker is a sole proprietor of Down & Under Studio. The business is expanding to incorporate a new branding as:E & O Enterprise. Daughter, Evie (E) is joining her mother, Olive (O) in teaching workshops, facilitating art exhibitions and producing art. Evie’s training is in theater, music, and set design. As new members of the Mountain Business Association, E & O has established a place of business at Trolley Station, Suite #304, 712 Mississippi Ave., Signal Mountain, TN. The new location is just across the street from the Durant home and studio.