page 10

History of the NorthWest

Ceramics Foundation

In 1991 it became clear to the board of the
Potters’ Guild that the organization was
headed towards bankruptcy unless steps
were taken to improve revenues. The Guild
had already cancelled its scholarship
program (two annual awards of $500) and
other programs were at risk. Believing thar
it would be easier to raise funds with
charitable starus, the Guild applied to
Revenue Canada for certification. The
request was denied on the grounds that the
Gallery of BC Ceramics was not a charicable
ectivicy in char members received
substantial remuneration fromm sales.
However, Revenue Canada did suggest that
the Guild could create an entirely new
organization with purely charitable
objectives. The Poeters’ Guild chose to take
this option in the hope chat a charicable
organization would fund some of che
educational programs which the Guild was
having difficulty sustaining, The North
West Ceramics Foundarion was
incorporated in June 1993. Careful
consideration was given to the make up of
the new beard. The by-laws of the
foundation state that on a board of eleven
members at least four will be members of
the Potters’ Guild and the president of the
Guild will always be a director of the the
Foundation. The intent was to ensure that
the Guild always had a strong voice and
that the cwo organizations, while being
independent, would also work in clase
collaboration.

The Foundation got off to a good start with
the help of the Jumpstart Society which
donated funds for scholarships. The
Jumpstart Scholarship, as it was called, waa
awarded to Georgina Brandon in 1995 and
Julia Maika in 1996,

Shortly after incorporation the Foundation
applied for a casino license. The
application was denied because the
Foundation had noc demonstrated sufficient
ability to raise funds independently.
Disappointed, the board applied for a rafile
license and was turned down again for the
same reason. Despite these
discouragemencs, 2 silenc awetion at the
1995 Made in Clay sale raised $1000.00,

The Foundation put a lot of energy into the

1 OL 1.5... 2 22a

studio within the brick plane of Sumas The Foundation beard met in June to
Clay products con by the Sumas Indian review its history and consider the future.
Band just east of Abbotsford. It was evident thar since the Poeters'
Fundamentally, the idea was to bring art Guild and the Foundation had similar
and industry together in the hope chat goals, the lack of understanding abour che
each would benefic each other. The division of responsibilities between the

concept was modelled on the Archie Bray two organizations was confusing.
Foundation in Helena, Montana, which

also occupies a brick plane. A significant Clearly, in its preoccuparion with other

difference was thar che plant in Helena initiatives, the Foundation had lose sight

had been defunec for many years whereas of its original mandate to be both a

the Sumas plant was still operating. charitable organizarion and fundraising
arm of the Guild and to work in close

The idea was explored with the Sumas collaboration with the Guild to determine

Band, which was generally positive about the purpose of the funds raised. Steps
the concepe, although it was preoccupied = have been now taken co establish berter
with che long term commercial viabilicy of © communication and to define a clearer
the plant which was having managerial role for the Foundation. To this end

and marketing difficulties, The Foundation reports will be put on the
Foundation concluded chat someone was regular agenda of Guild meetings. [n
needed on the ground to advance the idea = recognition of its charirable scarus and
and fer lack of volunteers the scheme was the abiliry co issue rax deductible receipes,

shelved. Shortly thereafter Brent the Guild has asked the Foundation to
Gloeckler and Leigh Harrying succeeded take over the Lottery for Pottery event

in gecting the beick plant to give them a which was so successful last year. plans
studio space, Brent described their are currently underway to expand the
progress in the last newsletter. Pleased scope of the Lottery and make it an annua
that the concept was proceeding the fundraising event.

Foundation offered to donate equipment

to the Band for che new studio. To dare Tam Irving

no response has been received.

Heapatof =
The Art Map of British Columbia.

Option Artis producing a map with listings
al studios, galleries and museums
from all regions of British Columbia.
» Jake pete al to advertise,

For more information call toll-free: 1-Q8B-ART-MAP

ART

www. option-art.ca