If you plan on checking out the potters’ guild spring show and sale over the next few days, try to be there as soon as possible.
Once it opens up at 5 p.m. tomorrow, guild representatives say it becomes a madhouse. The popular selection of contemporary and traditional pottery brings hundreds of arts and crafts lovers out to the foyer of St. Albert Place to vie for the beautiful works produced by dozens of local artisans.
For many people, attendance is required.
“People usually want to get here for the first hour. It is a frenzy,” said Gina Joys. Interest is so high and the rules are so strict that they don’t allow for secret deals or early sales. “It’s very serious,” she laughed.
The ceramic artist has been a member of the guild for almost as long as it has enjoyed its home in the same building. Preparing for the sale is like having a major final exam every April. It takes weeks and months to get enough product ready and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I have an art background and I wanted to do something creative,” she said, recalling her introduction to the group. “I heard that the pottery guild was very active.”
In addition to keeping a fresh supply of pots in the WARES store, the group also exhibits as part of Guilded, the Art Gallery of St. Albert’s yearly show of work from all members of the St. Albert Place Visual Arts Council.
“We’re all expected to work the sale and to become a really productive member.”
Joys has also been teaching pottery classes for the city for more than a decade. She couldn’t help but mention there are spots still open for summer sessions as well. Given the opportunity, she might just choose to get her hands dirty with clay every day. She’s not alone in calling the studio in St. Albert Place a real gem.
“It has grown into the most wonderful studio in all of western Canada. We’ve had people come to give us workshops and they always say, ‘Wow! You guys have it really good here.’ It’s very well set up.”
Part of the sale is to lend financial assistance to a worthy cause. Each year, the guild chooses a different charity. This year, a select group of donated pots will be on sale to support ovarian cancer research through the Canadian Cancer Society.
In addition to supporting a worthy cause, the guild is also offering up some specially made dishes to coincide with the city’s 150th anniversary celebrations. The pieces are only available for a limited time and are on sale at the WARES Store in the visual arts wing of St. Albert Place. The store is open from noon to 3 p.m., Thursday to Saturday each week.
If you’re new to the experience, you can also watch some demonstrations of hand-building and wheel-throwing.
St. Albert Potters' Guild Spring Pottery Sale
Main lobby of St. Albert Place
5 St. Anne St.
Opens tomorrow from 5 to 9 p.m.
Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
