About Us
Founded April 23, 1973, the North-West Ceramics Foundation's volunteer Board consists of eleven individuals who have demonstrated commitment to ceramics in its many forms. The NWCF has an affiliation with the BC Potters' Guild but is an independent entity. It acts as the charitable voice of ceramists in British Columbia with the mandate of fostering public education in the ceramic arts in Western Canada. It has no members, collects no dues and supports programs that are open to anyone in the province.
Mission Statement
The mission of the North-West Ceramic Foundation, the NWCF, is:
- to support public education of the ceramic arts;
- foster awareness, appreciation, and excellence in the ceramic arts;
- and to contribute to the development and sustenance of educational programs and activities for ceramic artists and the ceramic arts in Western Canada.
Current NWCF Board
- President: Ron Vallis
- Vice-President: Jinny Whitehead
- Treasurer: Debra Sloan
- Secretary: Cheryl Stapleton
- Sarah Coote
- Amy Gogarty
- Tam Irving
- Carol Mayer
- Sally Michener
- Keith Rice-Jones
History
The North-West Ceramics Foundation was incorporated April 23 1993, by the following Founding Members: Carol E. Mayer, Geoffrey Massey, Tam Irving, Reena Farris, Kersti Krug, Robin Gardner, Eilish McKendy, Joanne Mah, D’arcy Margesson and Stuart Rush.
The purpose of the NWCF is to assist the Potters Guild of BC in sustaining its educational mandate. To ensure that the PGBC is well represented, there are always four PGBC members on the Board, one of whom is the PGBC President. The NWCF and the PGBC are independent organizations, but work in close collaboration.
Since 1994 the NWCF has supported a number of scholarships including
- 1995-1998 Lottery for Pottery
- Potters Guild of BC Scholarship
- 1995-2007 Jumpstart Awards
- NWCF Endowment
- Emily Carr Endowment Fund NWCF Scholarship
- Maureen Wright Scholarship
Additionally, it contributes to a number of significant projects including a Speakers Series, The Canadian Clay Symposium, publications and other events. For more information, please see Financial Support.