Tonight June MacDonald and I plan to drive out to Maple Ridge for this year’s Fraser Valley Potters Guild jurying evening. For many years Fraser Valley PG has been the only local guild to host an annual members’ show for which they bring in an outside juror. It is always an interesting exhibition of the multitude of processes we all use. Galleries around the Fraser Valley region which host the show are always pleased to use it as an opportunity to invite school groups in for clay education. For FVPG members it is a chance to push their work beyond the expected and safe and have feedback from a kind, knowledgeable juror. They are encouraged to submit up to 10 pieces and usually an average of 3 pieces will be included in the show, with the sometimes difficult proviso that at least one piece from each entrant is selected.

The official opening, with awarding of prizes will take place this Saturday. The event this evening is when members can hear remarks by this year’s juror Meira Mathieson. She will discuss her overall vision for the show and explain her selections. Jurors sometimes take the time to offer comments on almost everything submitted, time permitting. It is always a fascinating learning opportunity. I’m sure the Fraser Valley guild won’t mind my saying that any potters are welcome to attend to hear the comments. 7pm at Maple Ridge Art Gallery.

I am a founding member of that guild and am now a life member. President Pat Schendel kindly invited me to show some pieces in the show, unjuried – like some other life members, Judy Burke, Cathi Jefferson, David Lloyd and Connie Glover. But I had to tell her that my most special new work has already been exhibited at Circle Craft last September. Also as I now rarely drive out to Kwantlen College in Surrey for meetings I am more involved with our local TriCity Potters. But I am pleased that we maintain close ties, including several potters who belong to both guilds and we exchange information on a regular basis.