On Wednesday, The Fernie Potters Guild opened the doors to their pottery gallery show, which showcased recent work of local artists to help support the guild, and get others interested in the craft.
Located in the basement of The Arts Station, the Potters Guild houses five electric wheels and a one-year-old digital electric kiln and slab roller which members use to create a variety of work ranging from mugs and dessert plates, to more complex items such as milk jugs, vases and tea pots.
“It’s to showcase what the Pottery Guild is all about,” said Chris Stockey, who has been a member of the Fernie Potters Guild since she arrived in Fernie 16 years ago.
The guild has grown substantially over the past few years, attracting over 45 dedicated members. With membership, they have access to the studio wheels, tools and glazes. Clay is sold separately.
Stockey was excited to say that many of their new members are of the younger generation.
At the gallery on Wednesday, the variety of style and creativity was evident. At the studio, Stockey says members are only limited by their own imaginations.
“You do your own thing,” she said. “Nothing has to be perfect. It’s whatever your imagination can create.”
Often, members transfer over to pottery from another art form. Whatever their background, they can apply their skills learned in other art forms to pottery. Stockey says this creates a healthy balance of individuals that bring different skills to the table.
When The Arts Station was established, this started the evolution of what is now a thriving arts community.
“The community is fabulous as far as supporting any artist, with pottery, visuals arts, spinning and weaving,” said Stockey. “People come here for one thing or another, but there’s a lot of people that bring either their love of art or their artistic background to the town.
“Whenever there’s something in the gallery, we always have people coming out to support us, to take a look, see what people are doing,” she said.
The Fernie Potters Guild had their fundraisers last spring, and Stockey saw many come out to support them and help them reach their goal. For this, she is thankful.
This pottery gallery will be at The Arts Station until the next month’s show takes its place. On Thursday, November 30 the Christmas Wreath show will open to the public.