The Corner Chair... “Joy to the World", this gift to the world and the symbolic exchange of precious things by the wise men: The Christian celebration has such resonance that it has become, practising Christian or not, a time to celebrate family, friends and community with a symbol of giving. Potters, however driven they are by some inner voice that compels them ever onward towards the Holy Grail of the perfect pot, are nonetheless also stuck with the necessity to pay the rent, There are few of us that do not see the “Season to be jolly” as a commercial opportunity. There were a number of studio sales advertised in last months Newsletter and more this month, As | write this we are in the middle of the Circle Craft Christmas Craft Fair and madly trying to complete a few special things for the Gallery's Christmas show. As we struggle with awkward customers, people who want to haggle for a deal, field questions and in moments of boredom try to figure out just how much an hour it's worth, ! am reminded of Geoff Searles comment about his frustrations of craft fairs. It makes me appreciate what the gallery staff do, all over again. When | reflect on Circle Craft, | realize that it's much more than setting up your stall and selling your stuff. There is great pleasure in seeing old friands, making and renewing contacts, commiserating over the long hours and hard work and generally enjoying a sense of comradery in a shared endeavour. | Suppose that's what the Guild is really, a shared endeavour and like Circle Craft the benefits can’t always be measured objectively Also, like Circle Craft, your expenence of it is much richer when you have some involvement. There was an excellent response to Karen's efforts with the Newsletter last month (the number of hours she volunteered to solicit, ¢ajole, and arm bend for material and then struggle to become familiar with a new computer programs would make us all sit up Page 3 and think). Timelines were too short for the Newsletter committee to make serious decisions about a format for this issue, we hope that we'll have it all together for January. If anyone has expertise they can offer, please contact Karen or Jane at the office. In addition, we have made a fot of noise with Xerox, who promise that not only will it be better quality for this issue (you judge), but will replace what we have with a more suitable machine for our needs { 4 Cadillac at Chevy prices, because of the educational nature of our Guild). At the Gallery this month is the December feature "Everything but the Pudding’, which hints at éxcess, but prizes the special and precious, It's likely to be a very busy time in the Gallery and if you don't have expertise to offer with the Newsletter, try to volunteer a litte time at the Gallery. | know we're all very Busy, but every littie bit helps. Karen Can always use a hand too at printing and mailing the Newsletters. In closing, ll come back to that idea of the comradery that comes with shared involvement. Being on the board is generally not always the easiest volunteer job in the world, but there's great satisfaction in getting invelved and “doing your bit” for an organization you feel is important. | certainly value the frendships I've made and after the business meeting an December 14th, I'm looking forward to the pot-luck board party. Yes, even your executive takes time for fun! Hope you all have a wonderful and joyous holiday season and like me are looking forward to 1996 being a year of stability, consolidation and increased involvement for our guild. Keith Rice-Jones