An art gallery in a quiet southern town might not be considered your typical travel destination. But then "Cotton" Ketchie is not your typical gallery owner. After pointing out the amazing detailed scenes of rural America Southern Folk Pottery Collection, an ever expanding personally chosen cache of antique pottery. He is then likely to direct you down the street to the old hardware store or early 20th century ice cream plant.

More than a businessman, artist or tour guide, "Cotton" Ketchie considers himself a preservationist. He captures with watercolor scenes that tomorrow may disappear, from abandoned farmhouses that once held happy families to fragile lighthouses buffered by the perils of nature.

His studio, original watercolors and limited-edition reproductions are all housed in Landmark Galleries at 212 North Main Street in Mooresville.

The gallery also showcases Ketchie's pottery collection a seven-year old hobby that stemmed again from his preservationist nature. Some of the colorful pieces which represent that labors of more than 30 craftsmen have survived more than a century. His most popular items are the unusual and strangely attractive face jugs, a true Southern tradition.

Flip through the well-used guest register and you'll find entries from such far away places as Ireland, Japan, and Argentina. They and admirers from across the United States come to view and enjoy a slice of Americana that is vanishing from our culture. In exchange, "Cotton" Ketchie travels to capture their favorite land and sea scapes before they too are gone. His summer travels will take him from Maine coast at daybreak to the Old West at last light.

He's sure to return too with a new supply of homespun humor to entertain his guests and complete the picture. Please take time to visit them at their gallery or on the World Wide Web at www.landmark-galleries.com and enjoy a taste of Americana.