COLUMBIA

Profile of a Potters’ Co-op
By Les Crimp

The Potters Place Gallery Shop is a collective of studio
potters who have joined together to promote and sell
their work. It is a non-profit society operating as a

collective, supporting local charities and contributing to

community education about the world of ceramics.

Began in 1992, in Cumberland, B.C., with 13 artists

mainly from the Comox Valley.

1996, moved to Courtenay location with 25% of

floor space (the rest was allocated to the Artisans

Studio and a tea room).

January 2007, took over 60% of current space, with

remaining 40% to The Rose Tea Room.

Currently 18 working members plus consignment

members with a total of 30 potters. Work includes

functional pieces, wheel thrown and hand-built,

include dinnerware, teapots, casseroles, vases,

drinking vessels, and more. Sculptural pieces, altered

and carved forms, wall hangings and masks are also

found in the store.

Marketing:

¢ Large store front in downtown Courtenay with
sidewalk traffic on Artisans Courtyard.

¢ Initially sought advice from a professional consultant

y

= —— “tel ts

Display featuring the work of Mavis Mooney, with the work of
Shelley Combs in the background.

on setting up the display space and then built the
displays themselves (with a remarkable sense of
agreement!)

Website.

Contact database promoting “Artist of the Month”
(via email), special sales and events.

Active in the Courtenay Chamber of Commerce.
Advertising and promotions.

Currently working on new business plan.

Continued on Page 9 Potters’ Co-op

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Jim Robison, uk

2 day demonstration and 2 day

James Hibbert, Canada

1 day demonstration on throwing

& making alterations to the form

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POTIERS SUPPLY LTD.

Kelowna Clay Festival

August 8-12, 2008

Paul Andrew Wandless, usa Tony Clennell, canada
2 day demonstration and 2 day

hands-on workshop. Jim draws hands-on workshop. Tony will teach the fine points
on the textures and patterns of the Monoprinting, screening, relief & of making great pots
landscape in Yorkshire stenciling on plaster & clay slabs, including throwing techniques &
for much of his inspiration. along with stamping & embossing. surface embellishments.

technique, adding texture, stretching

2 days of demonstrations, fun day openhouse, 2 days of hands-on workshops and exhibition at the Art Ark Gallery

Festival sponsored by The Okanagan Potters Association with the generous support of
Greenbarn Potters Supply and Aftosa

Kelowna Clay Festival, c/o 2663 O’Reilly Lane, Kelowna, BC Canada V1W 3B7

www.kelownaclayfestival.com

2 keV

2 day demonstration.

Lorel Sternig, Canada

1 day demonstration covet
various methods of creating la
clay sculptures or wall pieces.

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Potters Guild of BC Newsletter - June 2008