Linda Doherty (left) and Sharon Reay (right) both honoured for their contributions to ceramics and the Shadbolt Centre.
On Friday, March 20, the NWCF hosted the keynote speaker for the Canadian Clay Symposium, which was held the following day at the Shadbolt Centre in Burnaby. Friday’s event took place before a large crowd at the Reliance Theatre at Emily Carr University and featured Jesse Birch, curator of the Nanaimo Art Gallery on Vancouver Island. The evening was hosted by Brendan Tang and included a packed agenda. It was opened by an Indigenous singer, who performed and explained three beautiful songs. This was followed by a memorial tribute to the many important potters we have lost over the preceding three years since the previous symposium. Linda Doherty and Sharon Reay, two artists who have contributed immeasurably to our ceramics community and the Shadbolt were recognized with a special award.
Debra Sloan discusses the important work done by the NWCF and our latest award.
Robin and Eden DuPont, who have worked very hard to keep open the important craft institution of the Kootenay School of the Arts at Selkirk College in Nelson presented a short and hopeful talk about the state of negotiations with the city. Numerous letters of support and donations from individuals and the town have contributed to the optimism that they will be successful.
Julie York, first recipient of the Sally Michener Award for excellent work in sculptural ceramics.
Our president, Debra Sloan, discussed the donors who have helped the NWCF, our work, and our awards. Our latest award honouring Sally Michener recognizes a ceramic artist whose primary practice engages with sculpture. Former board member and instructor at ECUAD, Julie York, has been awarded the first of these awards, which is fitting, as Sally had been a mentor and supporter of Julie’s extraordinary work.
Jesse Birch presents the keynote address, “Where to Pots Belong?” On screen–Wayne Ngan.
The keynote address Where do Pots Belong: on Exhibiting Useful Ceramics by Jesse Birch was, in the opinion of Debra, one of the best ever delivered at the symposium. He has researched the history of BC ceramics intensively, especially that relating to the Leach tradition. His talk covered the importance of Doris Shadbolt, curator at the VAG, and the support she gave to BC ceramics. For nearly an hour, he traced the importance of artists like Wayne Ngan, the rise and slow falling away of interest in ceramics in BC through trends towards conceptual and dematerialized practices, as well as the more recent positive re-evaluation of craft and ceramics that is taking place now.
The symposium the next day was sold-out, with attendees coming from as far away as the prairies and Haida Gwaii. The presentations were enjoyed by all, and the event was followed by a dinner catered by Nobel Egg Catering run by fellow ceramicist Nicole Guillemin. The dinner gave the presenters and board members of the various groups that had sponsored the symposium a chance to relax, talk over the event, and enjoy the lovely evening. As Debra Sloan commented, “ It was a classic and community-building clay social.”
*The details of this report are courtesy of Debra Sloan.
