manne & (suild News As 1996 draws to a close, and we begin ro anccipace the warmer temperarures and longer days of Spring, the Potter's Guild of BC Cin look back on tlye Last year as one or planning and developing strategies for the future to continue its growth in membership, revenues and impact upon beth the local and provincial clay community. The Guild hes initiated che first publicarion of potters in the province in twenty years; although we were very sorry to receive Laura Arpiainen’s resignation from the board, we were confident chat the newly struck commirtee will be able to maintain che same enechusiaem and direction for the publication, albeit with s relaxation of che deadlines. Along wich the publication, the board is pursuing fundraising events, with the first one to take place on March 21, 1997 (see page 10 for further details about Lomery for Portery). This committee has lots of energy te pursue their numerous ideas, so look forward to mare of these events in the furure! In the lase year the board formed a committee to be responsible for Studio 3. We wanted to make it a more positive experience for the occupant, so we improved the physical space and will make sure that each occupant gets a thorough grounding on Studio 3's equipment, maintenance and existing studio etiquette. We will also have a liaison person for the Studio 5 resident to contact if they need anything. A library committee has been reestablished; A small budger has been granted for the acquisition of new Seles, so as ta being the library more up to dare amd also to make the library more accessible. The long term goal is a small reading and research comer sec aside for Guild members. The jury commirtee has further redefined its role by identifying specific critena on which to base discussion, and to encourage written comments so that the applicant has some constructive feedback, The jury committee has also clarified the guidelines which are handed out te interested artises; they wall be available in che Gallery towards the end of the month. In the coming year, the Guild will be able to build upon che foundations laid during 1996, Several other plans are already being discussed for 1997, and we hope that more members become invelved during chese exciting tines ¢or the Guild, Gallery News December sales in the Gailery of BO Ceramics azain reached a record high. The monthly target was 6% higher than last December's sales, although che gallery Wily put shart at the arg tect HITLMLL hor the month (the closure of the Gallery for a day & a half at the end of dee month -due to spectacular wearher condinioans- more than accounted for this difference. The annual sales figures were 6.4% higher than last years toral, representing the best sales yet! Many thanks co che Guild members whe came im fora caring or aftecnoarn al wrapping and chatting with the customers during the seasonal rush. Your help was invaluable! In February, the Gallery will be presenting 2 sneak preview of Lotrery fer Pactery -many of the pieces donated for the fundraising event will be on display throughour the month. In March, che Tozan Society with curator Ernie Watkins will presenc a selection of pieces fined in the Toran kiln (see page § for more information on how to participate). The opening reception for the Tezan show will be held on Thursday, March oth, from 6 pm-8 pm. The show will remain in the Gallery until Sunday, March 30ch. Once again, there are still several monchs available in 1997 for the feature artise display which is available to non-juned members of the Pocter’s Guild. Perhaps some of you from our of cown would like to send in some pictures of pour work? If vou are interested, please call soon as the months are available on a first-come, first- served basis. Lastly, to tie in with Valentine's Day, che Gallery will be holding a silent auction of damaged pieces belonging ta the Gallery which are taking up valuable storage space. Heartbreakers will be for members and staff only. fc will be held wpseairs in the Guild office with na access co che public, Please come and make your beds becween Friday, February 7th and neon Friday, February 4th. All winners will be contacted by phone, Have a happy and healthy New Year! Jane Matthews Don’t Forget - This is the last Newsletter You will receive if you haven't paid your Guild membership fees yet!!! wat, ait ees a Bs ti ied get ty fi oa nae ‘Ea Th “Tf only I'd sent my cheque.”