If you appreciate all things clay you can always find a huge variety of artwork created and fired at the art studio located in the the 101 year old Parksville train station.
Artists who belong to the Arrowsmith Potter’s Guild made some unique bird houses recently and during their monthly meeting, handed out awards to those voted the best.
Judges Linda Phillips of Pyromania in Coombs and Ruth Porter of the Nanaimo Pottery Co-op were impressed with the pieces and agreed it was hard to pick a winner because they were all made with such creativity and thought.
First place was awarded to Kurt Raynor, second to Barb Strachan and third to Wendy Cyrenne. The three can often be found in the studio creating pieces that range from functional to fascinating.
Strachan, who has been a member of the Arrowsmith Potters Guild since 1997, said she had a lot of fun making her bird house she named Home Tweet Home.
“I threw it on the wheel and then squared it. Usually I make functional pieces and sell them but I will hang onto this one,” she admitted.
Cyrenne, who also likes to play with mud, said her hummingbird hotel was inspired by all the little birds she sees when she spends her winters in Arizona.
She designed it with a pool on top and flowers on the bottom for the dining room.
Members of the guild take a break from their monthly meetings in July and August but that doesn’t mean their studio won’t be busy over the summer.
In fact the group is holding an open house on July 7 and August 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and invite the public to come and see what they do.
There will be throwing demonstrations and raku firings that the public can participate in.
Also taking place at the studio located at the historic Parksville E&N train station are several different workshops over the summer.
Kids classes with Crystal Burgess run from July 10 to 30 and August 7 to 28 from 10 a.m. until noon. Four sessions cost $39 and include clay, glazing and firing.
A parent-child workshop with Burgess running July 21 to August 18 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. will have students creating clay projects as a family. One session is $25 per team and the pieces created will be ready for pickup in 10 days.
For those interested in purchasing some unique pottery, the Gallery Pottery Shop is open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.
For more information call 250-954-1872 or visit www.arrowsmithpottersguild.bc.ca.