ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING REPORTS May 4 2001 In June of 2000 Jane Matthews, the Gen- erul Manager, heft the Potters Guild and 1 took over as Gallery Manager in late Au- gust, Much of my first three months was spent earning the intricacies of the daily running of the Gallery and becoming fa- miliar with systems and staff, and the inner working of the Guild and its members. Tam pleased to announce that sales in the year 2000 hit a record high, The Gallery expericnced an unprecedented growth with annual sales hitting @ quarter of a million for the first time. Renovations completed by December increase the display space, They provide a large back wall with architectural details such as niches to show large pieces and the uncovering ofaskylight gives natural light in a windowless section, The display concept has shified, We have simplified thedisplays, changed the colours ofthe walls and plinths toa neutral purplish grey, and have established the back wall as a focal point. [ts colour is changed every few months to reflect the current trends and changing seasons. From Christmas to Valentine, it and afew accent plinths were acheery red and now a spring chartreuse green. Customers’ response has been incredibly positive, and I believe these changes have helped to increase sales, The Gallery held two group shows for Guild members in 2000. Thanks to the keen interest and many submissions by members, the December show, Seavonmel Traditions recorded the highest sales for Guild group shows ever. Continuing problems with our computer system and member dissatisfaction with the inventory system are concerns. Despite recemd breaking sales, we cannot buy a new inventory and accounting system. While the curremt program is old and time consuming, we will have to use it for now. We are however, investigating upgrading the computer to beter use staff time. Late last year, the Gallery and Ciuild established a new phone system. The current system allows callers to choose one of four options. There are now voice mailboxes for the Gallery; Guild including, newsletter, workshops, membership and general inquires; Accounting: and the Gallery of BC Ceramics Gallery Manager. This phone system was putin place to ceduce the number of calls unrelated to the Gallery, but equally important we wanted to make certain that callers received qualitative answers to their queries, Currently, we have qualified volunteers answering general ceramic, workshop, and Guild inquiries. There has been a substantial reduction in time spent by the Gallery staff fielding phone calls, which allows us to concentrate on selling. Our presence on the interme. is increasing. Through the Guild website and email, we have sold a substantial number of preces. Generally, the pieces sold are larger more expensive items that visitors saw on their trip and later decide they must buy. We are assessing the potential to increase sales through the internet, The Gallery bas experienced organizational shifts in 2OOL. [n January, Shawn Kbein, Guild administrator, resigned. Katrina Dennis was hired as the Gallery and Guild bookkeeper in February. | assumed some of Shawn's tasks and volunteers and the Board are doing others. Anes Chung. with her incredible skills and vast knowledpe, was promoted to Assistant Manager. In March, we had an overwhelming number of submissions for Gallery jurying. After completion, we realize that the process needs to be re-evaluated. We are establishing a working group toclarify not only the process but the jury composition. (See Gallery Jury Review page 10) In April, a Gallery Committee was re- established and consists of Sheila Monssetie, Jinny Whitehead, Pia Sillem and Celia Rice-Jones, with Maggi Kneer as the Board liaison, Beginning April, we re-enforced an old rule that work in the Gallery for longer than 6 months will be returned. This has given a fresh look to the Gallery, increased potential display space and reduced storage overload, Lam currently establishing a volunteer program to offset staff costs and increase the efficiency of the Gallery. We also hope to have ambassadonal volunteers to increase our profile among local residents. The Gallery publication. aimed at customers, Continues to be an importan advertising vehicle. We send over SU) copies bo cuatoners every three months with details of upcoming Gallery shows and events, We have a mailing list of architects in the Lower Mainland, and are compiling a list of interior designers. Opening nights of exhibitions have been re-scheduled in 2001 to coincide with the (Crafts Association of BC's events. We will be looking at combining our mailing lists to bolster each other's profile. In the first quarter of this year, usually the slowest time in retail after Chiistras, Gallery sales were the highest ever. [ would like to thank my incredible staff, who have carried me through my steep and on-going learning curve, and who continually amaze me with their positive attitude and deep commitment. There is no way | could have survived these last few months without their support. T would alse like toexpress my deepest gratitude to our faithful volunteers, who are the backbone of this organization, especially Sheila Morissette, Lynne Graham, Celia Rice- Jones and Stila Jauhraus. Their eagerness to help and consistent presence has sustained this organization. Kimeha Rajkumar Gallery Manager TABLE OF CONTENTS Alison Feargrieve | AGM Reports 3 Made of Clay 4 Guild Workshops and Events 3 Techno Tip é Junichi Tanaka exhibition o Board of Directors 2001-02 it Gallery Jury Review i} Members News 12 Studio for Rent 2 For Sale 2 Wanted 12 Jul/Aug Deadline Wednesday June 6 Submit maternal te the CGiuibd office or email direct to the editor Letia Richardson