Get your hands dirty with the Prince George Potters Guild.
The PGPG is holding the next in their annual series of classes, and this one is always among the most popular.
Beginner Wheel Class is the introductory course that gets people started in the goopy cycle of spinning wet clay into works of art and practical household items like cups and bowls.
"We introduce people to clay, hand-building and throwing on a potter's wheel," said course instructor Kate Cooke. "We start with a rectangular chunk of clay and end up with glazed final products - often bowls, mugs, platters, and other creative ideas. We don't see the ash trays so much anymore."
Classes are held once a week, three hours per session, over six weeks. Participation includes unlimited studio use for students during this period and for a month afterwards. Their comprehensive guild space is located at the Studio 2880 complex at 2880 15th Avenue, operated by the Community Arts Council.
Minimum age is 14 to participate in the course.
"Some arm strength is necessary to be steady at the wheel," said Cooke, who has conducted classes in the past and has enjoyed seeing rookies sparked into regular potters.
"I like the teaching process. It gives me a chance to express myself slowly over time and as much with my hands as my voice. I used to see drawing and painting as the hallmarks of an artist, things I was not good at, but I have come to see clay as an artistic medium in which I can thrive. I feel more like craftsperson than an artist at times, but it definitely fulfills my need for creativity."
It is her observation at people who take the beginner classes often arrive with no experience and leave "with an appreciation of the form, the ancient traditions behind it, and the possibilities of clay."
The PGPG has been turned the wheels of beginner and expert potters in Prince George for the past 40 years. It is run entirely by volunteers which Cooke said is "a real testament to the local dedication to keep this craft alive. Unlike other guilds in BC, we have always been a learning guild that supports and mentors new potters. It's more about developing and experimenting and less about rules. I've been a potter for 18 years and I'm still learning all the time."
The classes run Fridays from 6-9 p.m. between April 6 and May 11. The cost is $265 which includes:
6 evenings of instruction;
unlimited studio time during the course plus one month of studio time following classes;
clay and use of guild tools;
glazing and firing during classes.
To register for these classes, please contact Studio 2880 at 250-562-4526.
