ARTIST PROFILE
Sault Potters Guild
The Sault Potters Guild is flourishing with the activity of adults and children learning the traditional methods of pottery.
Adult beginners enroll in classes held one evening per week for six weeks and are taught by volunteer local potters and Potters Guild members. In each session of the beginners' classes, a different pottery technique is introduced by a potter who specializes in that area. For example, Erika Ropke teaches slab decorated with impressions of natural weeds, Sheila Purnis Harris teaches coil, and Sheila Holden shares techniques in glazing and decorating pottery as well as kiln loading.
Adult learners have the option of returning for an additional six weeks of classes which concentrate on using the potter's wheel and highlight methods of centering and making pots. Sheila Purnis Harris, Peggy Brown, and others get involved to help out. At the close of six weeks, a wonderful array of student-produced dishwasher-, microwave-, and oven-safe decorated pots results.
In past years, the Sault Potters Guild has offered mother/teen daughter classes and, in the future, maybe a father/teen son class will be arranged.
Children are taught at the Sault Potters Guild too. School programs visit for a morning, afternoon, or a full day, when students study pioneer living. The children are provided with an opportunity to weave a project and make pottery in small groups.
Following completion of their beginners' pottery classes, adults are invited to join as members of the Sault Potters Guild. A small annual membership fee applies which helps offset the costs of maintaining and purchasing equipment for shared member use. New members come out on Tuesday evenings to work collectively with other new potters, alongside experienced potters who are readily available to share their talents and skill. When able to work on their own, new members have the option to use the facility and practice their craft as often as several times a week.
The members of the Sault Potters Guild cordially invite beginners and other experienced potters in the community to join, share ideas & talent – and maybe even learn something new! Come on up and join their "mud slinging group".
For interested and motivated members, the Sault Potters Guild also engages in a number of ongoing workshops, including glaze measuring and mixing. Their Potluck Raku Nights afford a fascinating – not to mention truly unforgettable – learning experience.
Sault Potters Guild membership also provides opportunities for potters to sell their wares with other Guild members at many local events throughout the year. In addition, Guild members are involved with various projects, associations, and initiatives that extend well beyond our local community. Recently, Guild member Lynden Pond became the Northern Representative for Fusion, the Ontario clay and glass association. Congratulations, Lynden!
So if you would like to try something new, or if you're wondering what to do with your creative energy, just give Sault Potters Guild a call to enroll in a class or to join the Guild. There are some terrific opportunities to make new friends and contacts, or simply to let the child in you come out and experience clay!
Sault Potters Guild still meets regularly wherever they can find
space, and they pool their supply orders to reduce shipping costs.
For more information, contact Marilyn Ubaldi at 705-253-6361.
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