of BRITISH
COLUMBIA
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Promoting an artist,
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into promoting an artist and educating the
public on the real value of the artwork. With
ceramics, the last remaining affordable art
form in Canada, consumers love to hear
they can start their collection with a piece

as humble as a mug.

e

Effective and consistent promotion takes a
lot of time. This is the gallery's specialty and
they work hard to earn their percentage. An
artist unable to absorb a gallery commission
is in effect selling their work wholesale to
the public. Wholesaling to the public has
the effect of keeping prices low.

A number of Bancroft-Snell Gallery regulars
flew to Victoria from the east (Canada and
the U.S.) to attend the show and I found
it interesting to hear what they had to say
about collecting Canadian ceramics. All
said they found the prices ‘in the west’ very
affordable. It was clear that they trusted
Jonathon’s judgment and a number of very
large purchases were made.

Obviously, collectors want to spend. their
money wisely. Most purchase what they like,
but they may rely on a knowledgeable gallery
to find new talent. They also want to know
about longevity. They like to see the history
of a body of work, the development of style
and the documentation of progress. They see
the role of the gallery as necessary in this,
because legitimacy of the documentation
is more reliable. Published catalogues carry
more weight than an artist’s-own file of
photos. Increasingly, purchasers of ceramics
are interested in following resale value trends
as well. The gallery puts it all into perspective
and gives them the confidence to spend. we

Cindy Gibson was the promotions coordinator
Jor the Fired Up! show, She creates her own line
of ceramics as the owner of Belle and Dragon
Pottery in Victoria, B.C.

Fired Up! is a diverse group of professional
B.C. artists who collectively promote awareness,
appreciation and excellence in the ceramic arts.

Current members are: Marlene Bowman,
Alan Burgess, Meg Burgess, Susan Delatour
LePoidevin, Gordon Hutchens, Cathi Jefferson,
Glenys Marshall-Inmann, Gary Merkel, Meira
Mathison, Kinichi Shigeno, Pat Webber. Fired
Up! is the only ceramic group in Canada to
have all of its members invited to participate
in the prestigious Matter of Clay II (Aug. 4 to
Sept. 2, 2011) in London, Ont. For more about
Fired Up! see www.firedup.ca

Bancroft-Snell Gallery artists represented
at Fired Up! 2011: Bruce Cochrane RCA,
Ont.; Astrid Kruse NWT; Reed Weir Nfld;
Ann Mortimer RCA, Ont.; Jane Wilson, Ont.;
ZsuZsa Monostory, Ont.; Judy Blake, N.B.;
Goyer Bonneau, RCA, Que.; Ann Beam,
Ont.; Renee Gagnon, Que; Mimi Cabri,
RCA, Ont.; Sarah Link, RCA, Ont.; Judy
Donaldson, Ont.; Audrey Killoran, Que.; Roger
Kerslake, Ont.; Harlan House, RCA, Ont.;
Liz Willoughby, Ont.; Sean Kuntz, Alta. For
more on Jonathon Bancroft-Snell Gallery see
www.jonathons.ca

Two slab pots, by Walter Dexter. The first
monograph of the life and work of this
influential B.C. potter will be released for
Fall 2011.

One PGBC member's experience:
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

Guild member Holly McKeen of Greendale Pottery & Country Guest House recently emailed us

about her membership experience:

I had a customer come to my shop to buy wedding gifts two weeks ago. I always try to
ask how folks find me (to understand which of my marketing efforts are paying off) and
here is what she had to say. She knew that she wanted some very special pottery for her
sister’s wedding gift, so she went online to browse, and found the BC Potters site, where
she spent quite a bit of time going through all the links to member websites. When she
found mine, she knew it was just what she was looking for. She saw that I have regular
showroom hours, so she came out from Burnaby that very weekend. Not only did she buy
a number of pieces for her sister, but she also bought gifts for two other people at the same
time, and a teapot for herself. Best of all, she was so enthused I trust she will be back, and
spread the word about my studio and gallery in the country. This one new client alone
covered my PGBC membership and more! Thanks for your very effective website and for
linking to member sites. It works.

Cheers,

Holly McKeen

with SUZY BIRSTEIN

where Mama Mia was filmed!
- Skopelos Foundation for the Arts

Info & registration: 604.737.2636, www.suzybirstein.com

Potters Guild of BC Newsletter - August 2011

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