Salt Spring Potters Guild
biographyThe Salt Spring Potters Guild was formed In December 1969 by group of 15 potters, including Emily Crosby and Maggie Schubart. Their goal was to further their craft through sponsoring workshops, and to share purchasing materials. Also in December 1969, the guild held its first pre-Christmas sale in a tiny building in the central village of Ganges. In 1970 the guild held a three-day pre-Christmas sale in historic Mahon Hall in Ganges. This became a successful annual event, later including the Weaver's Guild members, and eventually the Woodworker's and Jeweler's Guilds. This guild sale continued up until the 1990’s when it was handed over to the Gulf Islands Community Arts Council.
In 1971 Wayne Ngan gave a raku workshop to guild members, beginning a long tradition of workshops provided by artists from off-island. Workshops were given during the Summer School of the Arts school which ran for six summers. Some of Canada’s top ceramic artists led workshops during the 1970’s and 80’s, The guild members create functional, decorative and sculptural pieces, in all firing ranges including specialized firing techniques such as raku, smoke fire and saggar and unique decorative techniques like slip trailing, carving, image transfer and sgraffito. where to see or read moreshows: Guild members exhibit widely in commercial galleries, on and off island. Their work can also be seen at ArtCraft and at the Saturday Market. The Guild also hosts a weekend show each spring at historic Mahon Hall in Ganges.
Salt Spring Island Ceramics Award October 2016 will see the inaugural exhibition of a ceramics award with $4,200 in prize money. Initiated and hosted by the Guild, it will showcase excellence in ceramic art produced in the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island. Visit the Awards page on their website or the Facebook page for info. web: Visit the website for more about the Guild and a gallery of members' work and links to individual member websites. contact the Guildemail: mmsearcy@telus.net
|
Guild statement
|