News
Events and pottery related information from the Ottawa Guild of Potters
Remembering Jim Thomson
Sadly one of the earliest members of the Guild, Jim Thomson, died recently. His charm and exuberance inspired many new potters. If members would offer images of and thoughts about his work and his influence on them, we could build a retrospective of his imaginative work on this website.
Recollections
As part of the Ottawa Guild of Potters' 40th anniversary, we proudly present work by the early Guild members, as well as some recent work by present day members. Help us to find and add images of their work to these Recollections.
Kay Walker is a founder of the Guild and a past president. One of her fellow potters has offered a delicate needlework and ceramic pincusion to display in this Recollection. Kay received an award from the Ontario Guild of Potters for her work.
The Ottawa Guild of Potters began as a socially minded organization - In 1973, the year that the Guild was founded, Kay Walker and Marguerite Finn, with Tim Thibeault an important catalyst, established Crossroads, a co-op type of pottery studio and storefront on Wellington St. near Holland Ave. The name was a nod to the fact that the members came from many corners of Canada and farther afield, including Newfoundland, the Prairies, United States and Great Britain.
Other early members of Crossroads who joined in the early years included Jennifer Ryder-Jones, Carolynne Pynn (Trudeau), Maggie Wall, Glen Dunning, Jim Thomson, Maureen Marcotte, David Mackenzie, Barbel Helmert, Maggie Cox. Around this time, Kay Walker, Marguerite Finn, Rosemary Swan, Mimi Cabri and others of the co-op met at Ingrid Levene's home to organize the Guild. Richard Gill, Leta Cormier, Jenny Cookson, Janet Dugan, Dorothy Bongo, Chris McKewen, Anita Hamilton and Leslie Germain were other early Guild alumni.
From the Canadian Ceramic Circle
" Saw some spectacular display pieces at the Ottawa Guild of Potters show at the Shenkman Centre Thursday night. Also some quietly lovely pieces that would add to any table setting. I thought there was more use of texture this spring--interesting. As usual, the prices were incredibly good..."
Judy Deegan
And the winners are...
Come to the Shenkman Art Centre this weekend and see for yourself. Among these pieces are the award winners for the Ottawa Guild of Potters Spring Exhibition. Here is a little aperçu.
Also, the Guild is calling all alumni and members to participate in an exhibition at the Dust Evans Gallery in the fall in celebration of the 40 years that the Guild has supported potters and furthered interest in the ceramic arts. Can we find work by potters that span those 40 years? Let us know if you are interested in participating or know someone to contact! Spread the word.
Photo Album of Award Winners Ottawa Guild of Potters Spring Exhibition 2013
Guild of Potters Spring Sale and Exhibition
In spite of the slushy weather today, we had some happy visitors at the Shenkman Arts Centre in Orleans for our 40th Anniversary Spring event. Some of their comments:
Beautiful - I'll be back tomorrow and probably the day after with friends.
It's only a 20 minute drive from the West End of Ottawa.
A pleasure for the eyes. Quality displays.
Worth daring the weather to come out to browse the creations.
Light and airy venue, emphasizes the workmanship.
Kathy Herzig made some luscious flower arrangements.
Come and join us Saturday and Sunday April 13th and 14th to browse the stands and select your favourite piece from the exhibtion!
