Don’t be shy -
Time to step up

By Sheila Morissette

Have you ever considered joining
the board of directors of the Potters
Guild of BC? We are all busy with
our lives, but I have to say that it can
be very rewarding to get involved
and help out where you can. As we
approach the Annual General Meeting
(see AGM Agenda on Page 9),
those of us on the board hope that
some of you will be willing to step
up and help us out. Several of us have
been on the board for six years now
(two terms) and although we still are
willing to support and promote the
organization in this dynamic world,
it would be so nice to have a few extra
people to assist us. There are many
ideas that come our way, but not
always enough resources to achieve
them. It is also imperative that there
be an overlap of seasoned and new

directors every year so that there is
continuity when senior members
eventually leave their positions. There
have only been eight directors for my
six years on the board but there can
actually be up to 12 directors. Just
think how much more we could do
with four more members.

I know that many of you are not
located in the Lower Mainland, but
that doesn’t mean that you can’t help
out from where you are. We are always
looking for more involvement from
the regions to help bring provincial
unity to the guild. A lot of the board’s
communication happens with email
outside of the meetings. We could
even have a system where regional
board members could submit their
comments by email or sit in on the
meetings over the phone or by video
conferencing.

Many of you in the Lower Mainland
have already participated on the board
over the years, as the organization is
now 53 years young. Perhaps there are
still a few of you who have thought

about it but don’t feel qualified. The
positions are really quite flexible. If
you have an interest, we can sculpt
the position to fit your qualifications.
‘There are also some specific needs
we have to fill such as overseeing the
newsletter, coordinating and seeking
out volunteers, membership and
fundraising etc.

We are seeking your participation
or suggestions of friends who would
be willing to partner with us. Not all
board members need to be potters.
There might be people you know
who would be willing to help who are
business people or others interested
in supporting the arts. They can
bring valuable skill sets that round
out the board nicely.

We are all capable of lending an
ear, lending a hand, joining a team
and making a difference. If everyone
did his or her part, imagine what we
could achieve.

P'm looking forward to seeing and
ae many of you at the AGM.

Clay Courses & Workshops at the Surrey Art Gallery

Spring 2008

COURSES

Pottery - Level 1

WORKSHOP WITH JIM ETZKORN

Pots for the Kitchen Workshop

Using the potter's wheel, learn to make a range of pots for cooking and 10 Sessions $148.50
serving. You'll focus on a variety of vessel forms and techniques. For Daytime and evening classes begin
students with previous throwing experience. Apr 3,7, and 9

2 Sessions $79.25 | #601098 Instructor: Murray Sanders

Sat, May 24, 10am - 4pm & Sun, May 25, 12noon - 4pm
Pottery - Level 2

10 Sessions $148.50

Tue, Apr 8, 9:30am - 12no0n #599947
Instructor: Jodi Beazley

Tue, Apr 8, 7 - 9:30pm #599948
Instructor: Jim Etzkorn

Pottery - Level 3 Glew)
10 Sessions $148.50

Wed, Apr 9, 9:30am -12noon #607529
Instructor: Jim Etzkorn

Jim Etzkorn is a graduate of the Alberta College of Art & Design, and has
completed several residency programs, most recently at Medalta. Over
the past 27 years, he has developed his studio-based practice while
teaching and lecturing at many art schools and organizations throughout
western Canada. Etzkorn is influenced by historical objects, ceramic
traditions and contemporary ideas as he explores the manipulations of
materials and techniques.

REGISTRATION

604-501-5100 | www.register.surrey.ca
Registration deadline: 4 days prior to start date

surrey Built By Hand
) art gallery Wj 13750 - 88 Avenue 4 Sessions $85.75
(~) wel 604-501-5566 BRITISH Sun, Apr 6,1-4pm #599739
www.arts.surrey.ca ARTS COUNCIL Instructor: Cheryl Stapleton
POTTERS
tol
COLUMBIA Potters Guild of BC Newsletter - April 2008 6