Busy Summer at the Shadbolt

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> There were some exciting things afoot at the Shadbolt Centre
for the Arts this summer. First, we launched our Pilot
Project of the "Artist-In-Residence” program—a three-week

residency with raku artist, Richard Tanaka. A long-time resident

of Salmon Arm, Richard had recently semi-relocated to the Lower

Mainland. Therefore, this residency provided him with a temporary

space in which to work, along with an opportunity to meet some of

By Sharon Reay

our students, to raise awareness of the ceramic arts and of his own
work, and to provide a point of interest in the park. He was able to
divide the room on the top floor of the Steamplant building (near
our Ombu, wood-fire kiln) into both a workspace and a mini-
gallery in which to show his wares and make some sales. Because

he was scheduled to do a raku workshop here at the Shadbolt in
mid-July, it also gave him a chance to get familiar with our kiln and
the work space, prior to firing the students’ work. It proved to be a
very successful venture. Richard was personable and knowledgeable
and made himself right at home, generously sharing his wealth of
knowledge with the 350-400 visitors that stopped by during his stay.
Students went home very pleased with what they had learned and the
work they created.

On the other end of the spectrum, students in Jay MacLennan’s
three-day Throwing Intensive Workshop may have left empty-handed,
having sent all their pots sailing off the balcony, but they were now
armed with improved throwing skills and the ability to address issues
which had inhibited them from producing better work. This workshop
focused on the process, with Jay demonstrating techniques, and then
allowing students the freedom to hone and practice skills under his
guidance, without being encumbered by thoughts of having to finish
the work. People who took the course have consistently commented
that their throwing has improved.

fall 2009 programs at the Shadbolt

Registration for Fall 2009 & Winter 2010 adult programs is
currently underway. Call Shadbolt Centre at 604-291-6864, or register
online at: www.burnaby.ca/webreg. Programs cover all ages and skill
levels. Early bird registration for the 2010 Canadian Clay Symposium:
Aesthetics begins in October.

Soda Fired Pots by Linda Doherty

COLUMBIA Potters Guild of BC Newsletter - September 2009