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COLUMBIA

President’s Message

This year’s AGM fell on a gloriously sunny day—I hope that is a sign
that summer is really on its way.

Prior to the meeting on Saturday, board members received many emails
from around the province expressing strong concerns about eliminating
the group membership category. Most suggested increasing the group
membership dues as an incentive to retain the category.

Members attending the meeting were able to hear the views of those
who had written in and it was agreed to amend the resolution accordingly.
The amended resolution was passed unanimously and the category was
retained (Groups, $200; Individuals, $55; Seniors/Students, $35.) I think
this was a good example of how all members, no matter what part of the
province you are living in, can participate in the management of the guild.
‘Thanks to all those who took the time to communicate their opinions.

Id like to express my thanks to all the present board members who
have agreed to stay on for another year. I would like to welcome our
newest member, Laura McKibbon. I look forward to your input—we

New Board Member

Welcome to new member of the
PGBC Board Laura McKibbon.

Laura is a native British Columbian
and a self-taught ceramic artist
whose work incorporates hand-built,
functional ceramics with her love of
photography and printmaking.

Lauras work has garnered
attention within fine craft and
design communities internationally.
She exhibits regularly and has
been featured in six publications
including the exhibition catalogue
for the Gardiner Museum’s show On
The lable: 100 Years of Ceramics in
Canada.

Laura currently works from her

need. new, fresh ideas to help us move ahead.
Enjoy the summer!

Pottery Market in Vancouver’s
Historic Gas Town
By Jinny Whitehead

‘The Gas Town Business Improvement Society (GBIS)
has been looking for ways to enhance their neighbourhood
with innovative activities that will bring people to the
area and create positive energy. ‘They feel that an outdoor
pottery market showcasing B.C.’s incredible talent is the
kind of event that they are looking for. At the same time
the GBIS is looking for ways to animate their historic
alleyways, some of which are quite charming and unique.
Trounce Alley is one of the most interesting of these—
a cozy, paved corridor, located within steps of the popular
Steam Clock. Holding a pottery market in Trounce Alley
would bring life and add vibrancy to this under-utilized
location at the same time as promoting B.C. artists.

‘Their proposal is to hold a series of three or four
consecutive Saturday markets during the month of
August. The idea being that momentum would grow
if people didn’t have to “remember” which weekend
the market was on! Like us, the GBIS has little money
to spend on marketing. However, they can promote
something like “August is Pottery Month” through their
extensive websites and mailing lists, as well as through
their contacts with the tourist industry—concierges, tour
operators and cruise ships. They would also seed a story in
the press to highlight their efforts to promote the removal
of dumpsters and to create positive uses of the alleys.

What's the alley like? Trounce Alley runs at an angle
between Cambie Street and Cordova and there is a

—Jinny Whitehead

studio in the Mego Building in
East Vancouver.

connecting arcade from Water Street. It is surprisingly
clean and is used by pedestrians as a short cut. ‘The alley
would be cleared of any dumpsters and the pavers would
be power washed for the event. There is no electricity and
it is not a super-bright area. The paving stones are quite
even, but there is a slope from one end to the other, so
wedges would be necessary to level tables. One end of the
alley is anchored by the restaurant Sociale, which will set
up an outside venue for the event.

This is late notice to organize an event like this, but I
think it is worth a try. The following details are just rough,
but I am asking for immediate feedback on interest before
going any further.
¢ Dates: 3 or 4 Saturdays in August, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

* 15-20 participants each event, to make a large enough
impact (not necessary to have the same people each
week.)

¢ Participants would bring everything they need to
display their work on a six-foot table.

¢ Area per participant: approx 10 x 6 ft.

* Costs: minimal, say $20-50 (to be determined.)

¢ Loading/unloading access at each end of the alley;
secure paid parking close by.

Respond ASAP with comments, suggestions, any interest:
vwhitehead@shaw.ca

Potters Guild of BC Newsletter - June 2008 4