This document discusses challenges facing potters and ceramics programs, as well as initiatives to support the industry. It summarizes that: 1) The pottery field faces threats like cheap imports, high costs, and changing consumer patterns that are hurting sales and leading fewer students to enroll in ceramics programs. 2) However, programs are adapting curriculums to better train students. Initiatives like "Adopt a Potter" also help fund apprenticeships to pass on skills and support young potters. 3) The document highlights several potters and programs in Canada and the US that are finding ways to keep the pottery tradition alive through teaching, apprenticeships, and community support

1. Where Have All the Potters
Gone?
Last Gasp or Rebirth?
Mary Ann Steggles
With
Mark Hewitt, Lisa Hammond, Tony Clennell

3. Valerie Metcalfe
worries about young persons entering career path

4. Threats
• Chinese ceramic imports
• Costs to attend major sales
• High rent of prime sales/studio locations
• Rising costs of land
• Problems getting a mortgage
• Change in tourist patterns
• Cut back in government grants

5. Hurting Sales in Canada..
• Implementation of the passport [2008]
• Value of the Canadian $ in relation to the US $
• 9/11
• Rise in price of petrol
• Recession and stock market crash [2008]

6. Cathi Jefferson’s Studio
Duncan BC

7. The Snowball Effect
• Fewer students registering in programmes
• Programmes being cut
• Lack of comprehensive training

8. Change is Occurring!

11. At the University Of Manitoba
• Newly designed
curriculum
• Matches strengths of
faculty/instructors with
students

12. MARK HEWITT

13. Kizaemon O Ido Tea Bowl

14. North Carolina Brown Mug

15. Mark Hewitt’s Mugs

16. Adopt a Potter
Introduction

18. Yasuko our 10th adopted apprentice.
Throwing practice with host potter
Akiko Hirai

19. Lucas passing on skills to Darren the next apprentice.
My apprentices are funded by myself,
But like to get involved in the charity too !
Darren who is now working independently is now a Trustee

20. Anna Simmons Learning Kiln Building
Jeromy has taken Anna on at his own cost for a second year
of training

21. Fleen and Micki wood firing
Fleen is now working independently as a potter
and has also become a trustee of AaP !

22. My Apprentice Ellie helping to raise
Money for Adopt a Potter
Apprentices

24. The Adult Tsunami
• Tony Clennell

25. Isaac Button
• A strong foundation

26. Clay Making
• Clay doesn’t grow on plastic
bags

27. Throwing
• Skill Building

28. BENZ
• Pottery is alive and well

29. Pinecroft
• Pinecroft Centre for the Arts

30. Studio
• North Island College Professional Potters Certificate
Program

31. Keep on Truckin’