On Feb. 4, the Fernie Potter’s Guild will be hosting a social night to raise funds for a new kiln for their studio.
“The money will go towards the purchase and installation of a new kiln which costs approximately $8,000,” said Chris Stockey, a representative of the guild. “A kiln is a special kind of oven for firing clay pottery. Pottery has to be fired in a kiln in order to harden clay so that it can be safely used.”
The event will start at 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of February. Tickets are for sale at the Arts Station as well as at the Fernie Arts Co-op for $25. Each ticket is worth more than just an entry fee.
According to Stockey, ticket holders will also get “your choice of a hand crafted bowl by our members, choice of soups and chili, one of our selections will be seafood chowder made and donated by The Blue Toque, artisanal bread donated by the Loaf and a selection of homemade squares for dessert.”
There will also be a cash bar and live music along with a silent auction and a raffle featuring items that have been donated by individuals and local businesses.
“We will also have a pottery demo/studio tour during the evening,” said Stockey.
The guild offers its members the equipment needed to create pottery and some members also offer classes.
Members of the guild are able to access some of the supplies needed to make pottery including four wheels, slab roller, and kiln.
“Members also get use of studio glazes and slips, studio tools, support for general questions during our Tuesday evening Members nights [and] no charge firing of member's work,” explained Stockey.
The guild is comprised of anywhere from 25 to 40 members depending on the year and has been operational for nearly two decades The guild is financed completely by its members and fundraiser events like this one.
“We are a non-profit, funded by our members and our kiln is over 15 years old and is not operating properly. We are hosting The Potter's Bowl in order to raise funds for a new kiln,” said Stockey.