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Rare & Lovely Camark #859 Matte Green Double Vase , Art Deco period. THE HISTORY of CAMARK POTTERY A major ceramic operation in south Arkansas manufacturing art pottery within the context of the American art pottery movement during the late 1920s, Camark Pottery began with the vision of one man, Jack Carnes. Camark capitalized on the availability of clays and other important resources in the Ouachita County area, beginning with art pottery based on luster and iridescent finishes by John B. Lessell. In short, Camark succeeded not only in the manufacture of art pottery but was able to build upon that and become a major player within the American ceramic industry. Camark Pottery capitalized on already proven, popular design elements to forge a viable ceramic industry in south Arkansas and market its wares across the United States. From the beginning, Camark had no direct competition in the region except perhaps that of the Niloak Pottery Company in Benton (Saline County). Camark overcame many challenges to achieve early success, even though Benton had a much longer, deeper tradition in ceramic operations