In 1980 Dale and Liane Maddox purchased a century old,  two story corner building in Hardy Arkansas, a sleepy resort town on the Spring River.  The building had been neglected, but with much preservation effort, it was eventually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Arkansas.

Melding their work ethics and skills, they established their pottery studio and  began a retail shop (Hardy Pottery) to sell their work and the work of other artist/craftsmen, earning a nomination as one of the top 100 sellers of American Handcrafts from Niche Magazine of Philadelphia.    Somehow the combination of a pottery , retail,  and raising 4 children was managed with a chaotic balance.

In 2016, they reached a decision to sell the building and retail business.  They established a new workshop on Petit Jean Mountain, in central Arkansas, just West of Little Rock,   Now under the name,  Old Dog Pottery, they produce a variety of gas fired stoneware for their former business and new clients gained in central Arkansas.   At a less frenetic pace, they are exploring earthen ware, cone 6 electric and reduction firing, and have time for welcome interruptions such as grandchildren and casual visitors.