If a group of crows is a "murder of crows" and a bunch of geese is a "gaggle of geese", we think that a gathering of potters should be called a "pride of potters".
The Pride of Potters series started in 2006 to give OKPA potters a chance to meet each other in their creative environments. One or more potters hosts a gathering of potters in their own studio and shares potting techniques and resource information. These events are like mini pottery workshops. They are a great way to get to know fellow potters and exchange ideas.
Contact Ted Legate or James Hibbert if you would like to host or attend the next Pride of Potters.

 
From Elaine: June 13th - a perfect summer day spent exploring the back roads of the Spallumcheen with Gillian and Betty, and hanging out with fellow potters at Stephen and Loren Plant's home. For me, a tour of the gardens and chickens was as intriguing as the studio contents.
Pulled from the post pot-luck ease, and interesting 'dance' began first with a duo (Betty and I), then with an ensemble troupe. With weaving, dodging and bantering, we completed the process of repainting OKPA show signs. Just as in our pottery, many styles and opinions came forth, but in the end the onerous task was quickly done.
Finally we got on to the fun of demonstrations - jiggering by Stephen and raku by Jen and Glen. More food and a draw for those who brought pots to exchange finished the day.
Ah yes -- and the delight of an endangered species painted turtle attempting to deposit her eggs on the gravel driveway.

Stephen's Gallery	Ready for Vernon Summer Show

From Stephen: Jiggering is "forming a pot by using a spinning mould usually of plaster. Jiggering is useful for plates. The outside of the plate is formed by a rigid profile which is fastened to a pivoted arm. his arm is brought down onto the mould and is so adjusted that it leaves the correct clay section." From the photo you can see the "pivoted arm" (complete with counteweight) I purchased along with a Leach Treadle Wheel. I only use it for a specialty plate (and demos).

James 'playing' with Stephen's homemade banding wheel.

	Pot sprayed with ferric chloride wraped in wires , with some copper sulfate sprayed on and sprinkled with various minerals, and wraped with tinfoil , heated in saggar, removed hot and allowed to oxidize.

	Saggar fired with horsehair, ferric chloride

From Stephen: From my perspective the day was very successful. Everyone seemed to naturally find an activity and companions to share. The sign painting was a good example of cooperation and the fun in working together. I think Betty Gordon was the most fastidious with the brush and we all enjoyed speculating on the history of the signs and evidence of the previous "sign painters". Pot luck was fabulous and enough for all to eat twice (at least). The Leach treadle wheel was tested and many ideas and topics discussed. I think that the Potters Pride's are a great way for OKPA to build a sense of community by informally "meeting" to discuss topics of mutual interest have fun and discover/create new possibilities for the future of OKPA and our individual potteries. Our geographic challenges (the Okanagan Valley is big) make this kind of meeting more practical than regular shorter or smaller events and help fill in the gaps between shows.