page 8 Letter to the Membership cont'd from page 5 people whe think they might, know they should, and did ... well! ... Often, instead they ask, "why bother!" ... Here are a few reasons why ... The membership is the Guild. The Guild exists only to assist its membership and survives or fails accordingly. So, what if there was no provincially recognized potters guild? Well, there would be no provincial newslenter, little inver- communityinter-city communication, no large exhibitions, few large scale sales, no collective vision of che improvement of pottery, or any cohesive promotion of pottery as a viable commodity. This would negatively affect che public's perception of pottery and their interest would wane. There would be one fess outlet chat specializes in pottery (and it sells over $200,000 worth). There would be no central office to phone for information or support. There would be no government recognition, Provincial, Federal or municipal. We would have no-one to represent us for funding or bursaries, nor would there be as much educational recogmition from the city or Canada Council, or at colleges and schools. And so there would be few opporcunities. We would become potters scattered around the province trying wo make an impact on a public that can easily overlook us and buy glass inseead, Don't underestimate how the governments, colleges, Banks and Corporations view us. They get to see a Membershi eN ew long history and a sound track record in sales, exhibitions, education and bursuries. [f we were not able to officially represent ourselves, we would never have been considered for the skop/gallery on Granville [sland and che weavers would gee all che grants and che glass blowers all the sales! We have co work wery hard to keep our profile prominent in the public eye. Why? Well, if we make pots, we have co sell poss, If we want co successfully sell our pots we have to have buyers, people who love pottery and want to own and use it (maybe they took some pottery classes!), And, we have to continually improve our product as the public gets more sophisticated. How do we get the public co notice the pottery? Through our shop, the annual sales events and exhibitions (there's a lot of competition out there: glass, weaving, furnicure and a bot of clever craftspeople and competition for the craft buck), And now, also chrough our glamorous new book (launching on December 10 - we hope it will be under lots of Christmas trees), engaging many more new people. Se, all you people who thik you might, know you should - just do ic. Join wp (just like public tv.). Potters need your membership, your support, your ideas, your volunteer hours, pour letters, your expertise and your loyalty. All you presidents of regional groups, read this letter to your members at your next meeting please, Poll them and find our how many are PGBC members (just think - you get your very own newsletter! ). Joining the PGBC will mot put money direcely in your pocket - burt it pramotes your work as a potter, provides educational, community and sales opportunities, and last but certainly mot lease, it gives you, asa potter, a strong identity with the public and with the powers that be. For all the OOT's who wonder why bother... pes it is so hard co get potrers and pottery back and forth ... just think of these suggestions: establish email to participate in board meetings, arrange for billeting and furvding (shard sales) for Lower Mainland {East, West and Cencral) members to come up for your own “how to” nights; continue and increase your regional reports to the newsletter; ask for assistance in setting up exhibitions that originate in Central BC or Vancouver Island. We have two members on the Board who are exploring funding opportunities in depth. We need specific requests and then we can seek specific funding of assistance. So you regional groups get your heads together and gather lots of volunteers. Think about this one - establishing another Potters Guild of BC shop/Gallery and office - maybe we could be a franchise? How about seeking better shipping and transportation methods - anyone know a trucker! So, everybody, discuss this with your students and your friends - you know, the ones who haven't joined yee! And, by the way, buy a book, sell a book or two or ten! I'm really locking forward to your responses to this letrer - [ love facts and figures. Merry Christmas, Debra Sloan Made of Clay Sale Event April 30, May 1 and 2, 1999 Please look at the label on pour envelope - it will cell you when your membership is due for renewal, The majoriey of our members will need to renew in December or January, based on the previous system of membership for a calendar year. A reminder to those who may be procrastinating about sending in their applicarion forms and deposits, the draw for booth allocation will take place on December 9th, [f you wait until after then to send in your application, you may lose out on your choice of booth spaces - late applications will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please remember to renew your membership. A reminder notice will be sent with the January issue (the last issue sent out to non-renewed members). Membership can be paid over the phone with a Ronda Green and Judy Weeden have agreed to collaborate on the production of a new invitation for this coming year’s sale event. We haven't seen any examples yer, bur you can be sure thar it will have a clean and simple visual visa/mastercard, or send us a cheque in the mail. Of course, We would be happy to see you in person, tool message as to what Made Of Clay és all about. Please find another copy of the application form included in this newsletter.