If you’ve ever admired The Great Pottery Throw Down, a U.K. television show featuring amateur potters and ceramic artists in competition, a Port Moody arts hub may have a class for you.
This month, PoMoArts will launch a new pottery-making workshop at its St. Johns Street centre that’s geared exclusively to seniors.
Taught by ceramic artist-in-residence Georgia Fitton, the class runs over six weeks, from July 23 to Aug. 27, and is designed to move at a slower pace and in shorter time than regular workshops.
In an interview today, July 12, at PoMoArts, ceramics manager Ysabella Choung told the Tri-City News the inaugural class size is small, limited to eight participants; however, depending on demand, more pottery-making workshops — as well as other visual arts sessions — only for seniors will be scheduled this fall.
No experience is needed for pottery-making, she said, but seniors must have enough hand strength to shape the clay.
Attendees don’t have to fire or glaze their pieces, if they don’t want to, as Fitton will finish the works before they are returned.
The small bowls created “can be a conversation piece for the family or a gift to a grandchild for a special occasion,” Choung said, noting art can be a creative outlet and provide social stimulation.
“Pottery-making is on many seniors’ bucket lists.”
The move for more seniors programming at PoMoArts follows an outreach last month at the Port Moody Recreation Complex for Seniors Week.
It also aligns with PoMoArts’ new strategic plan for the next four years, a vision that calls for more community interaction, more inclusivity and better use of the facility’s spaces.
“There are lots of new connections happening now,” Choung said, “and we really want to support the seniors in our community.”
Pottery-Making for Seniors at PoMoArts (2425 St. Johns St.) runs from 3:30 to 5 p.m. The cost is $168 plus tax. To sign up, visit the PoMoArts website, call 604-931-2008 or email [email protected]. An elevator is on site to assist with mobility.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, July 18, Fitton will open her new exhibit at PoMoArts titled Sculpted Eden. The show runs until Sept. 1.
A public reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.
