There's just something about getting one's hands into clay that keeps the Ponoka Potters Guild a popular local venture, and a growing one at that.
A non-profit organization, the guild - which was launched in the mid-1970s - is supported via class fees, memberships, community sales, and support from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.
"It started in the arena complex - they had a room for us in there at the time," said Karin Star, the guild's president. From there, they relocated to Don Laing Trailers.
Inger Laing, who was a member and a long-time supporter of the guild, and has since passed away, offered some space at the facility.
"She said they had a mezzanine in their warehouse, and we could use it for the guild," said Nonie Chalmers, who has also served as guild president.
The guild, which now numbers about 35 members, then set up shop on in two spacious rooms on the second floor of the old pink school in the fall of 2015.
Star took up the art form in 2013. "I remember when I was in Kindergarten - I saw a potter at the wheel, and I was mesmerized by that," she explained. She took several lessons at first, and thought initially that would be it. But then a few friends wanted to join in, and she didn't want to miss out on that.
"I'm so glad I did," she said of joining the guild, which has brought much joy and inspiration ever since.
"When you work with your hands, that is all you are doing - your mind isn't somewhere else," she explained of the appeal of the craft's appeal.
Chalmers agreed.
"It's like entering into a 'zen' zone. Like Karin said, it's mesmerizing to watch, but it's also mesmerizing to do. It is really relaxing. But it can also be frustrating when it's not working," she added with a laugh.
"You have to be in the right frame of mind when you come to the studio, because the clay has a personality - if you get mad at the clay, the clay gets mad at you! It just fights you back - right from the get-go - from the centering of it on the wheel."
Ultimately, it takes a certain patience and a gentle touch. "You have to 'guide it'. You need coax it into what you want to be. You stay in control, but you work with it. It's a really neat medium. And it's the only medium in the arts world where you create your piece, you create your own palette as far as glazes are concerned, and you have multiple firings. And then you can't correct the mistakes that might happen in the firing."
But it's all part of an amazing process that can lead to pretty stunning works of art.
"It's a very long process," said Star. "And at every stage, it can go wrong. Sometimes you have a nice piece, and you put a glaze on it, and it doesn't work. it's not easy, and it's not for everyone. You just have to keep at it, and not give up! You have to be patient with yourself, with the clay, and with the materials," she added.
Chalmers said guild members not only thoroughly enjoy the process - as unpredictable as it can be - they also love the fun of a supportive community that comes with it.
"A lot of our members organize times with others they know well, and it become a social time, too. It's just wonderful they can do that as well," said Chalmers, adding that it also provides a supportive network, too, as each person navigates their own creative journey.
Another plus is that members have 24-hour access to the studio - they aren't confined to particular times and dates.
"It's really nice - we have an online calendar where you can put your name," said Star. For those with an interest in checking it out, the two women are more than encouraging. Also, they occasionally bring in skilled artists to teach members new skills.
"in the past we've had Sarah Pike, Steven Hill, Dawn Candy, Trudy Golley, and Pat Matheson, who has taught raku. We are always on the lookout to invite someone who can teach us something new."
Meanwhile, both say they encourage newcomers to keep their very first project. It can served as a meaningful 'go-to' to remind them of how far they have come as they hone their skills.
"It takes the right frame of mind, but once you get it - you've got it,' said Chalmers. "It's so exciting. And it's fun!"
Looking ahead, there are sales for folks to attend, including the Ponoka Art Sale (April 5-6) at the Ponoka Drop-in Centre, and the Encore Art Sale (April 11-12) at the Lacombe Memorial Centre. Another special spring highlight is the Mother's Day Studio Sale (May 9-10).
On another front, the guild is involved in the community, too. For example, each fall, they provide the bowls for 'Empty Bowls', hosted by the Ponoka FCSS.
It's an annual event geared to strengthening local food security. It's that kind of community outreach that is important to members as well, said Star.
"It's a good place to be."
For more about the guild, learning opportunities, and sales details, visit www.ponokapottersguild.ca, or follow their social media platforms.
