‘Earth and Fire: Creations from Revelstoke Potters’ Guild’ opened on Friday, September 4 at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre. The show runs until September 25 and features works from the Guild’s 29 members. A handmade Revelstoke Potters’ Guild sign catches your eye as you walk in the door; every unique letter was created by a different guild member.

Art in the exhibit were submitted by members of the guild, and much of the work is not for sale as it comes from personal collections. “People picked out some of the best pieces that they’ve made,” says potter Sandra Flood, and while the pieces are quite varied, the medium creates a feeling of unity.

Revelstoke potter Nancy Geismar loves creating out of clay for a handful of reasons. First, she says, is that “it lets your inner kid grow -- people have fun.” She also believes that all people inherently need to make things. “There’s a real feeling of reward when you create something with your hands,” says Geismar; “when you create things, you’re fulfilling an essential part of what we are.”

Interested in digging your own two hands into some clay? The Pottery Guild and the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre will be holding art classes and workshops throughout the fall. ‘Pottery Class for Beginners’ starts on October 6, 2009 and runs for seven weeks; the course teaches students skills and techniques including pinch, coil and slab construction. ‘Continuing Pottery’ begins on October 8, 2008 and runs for seven sessions. It delves deeper into methods and styles and is for anyone who already has a little bit of experience with clay.

Nancy Geismar has taught both courses for several years, and says she loves to teach. “It’s really fun to introduce people to clay. My belief is that everybody has creativity, and it’s just a matter of discovering it.” The Revelstoke Potters’ Guild has grown directly because of Geismar’s classes, she admits. “The classes have been a really great introduction to people to get their hands in clay,” says Geismar. “It’s wonderful -- we have a great facility here.” It’s the best deal for potters in all of B.C., laughs Geismar, “It’s a great opportunity... you can come in whenever you want,” she says.

The Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre is also showing ‘From Across the Board,’ featuring works from the art collections of the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre Board of Directors. The Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre is open every day from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m., except Mondays and Saturdays. As always, admission is by donation.