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