About
The Oldman River Potters Guild was founded in 1963 and is a non-profit organization incorporated
under the Societies Act in Alberta, Canada. The Guild is a volunteer-based organization, this means its
existence is solely dependent on member involvement.
Mission
The Guild’s mission statement is "to promote the art of ceramics by sharing, learning, and creating
together.”
Its mandate is:
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to promote the clay arts through display, workshops, and demonstrations.
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to educate and interact with the public.
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to provide a creative outlet to the community.
History
In 1956, a passionate group of potters came together to form a Pottery Club, meeting in each other's homes to share their love for clay. This close-knit community quickly grew, and by 1963, they had pooled their resources and secured a provincial loan to establish the Oldman River Potters Guild (ORPG). This milestone marked the beginning of a vibrant community dedicated to nurturing the art of pottery.
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By 1965, the guild had expanded to 43 members and found a new home at the Bowman Art Centre (pictured), where they flourished for 48 years. Their journey didn't stop there. In response to the growing interest from the community and the need for more space, the ORPG moved to a larger studio, which they called home for six years.
About
Today, the guild resides in a spacious studio at 2, 4416 - 1 Avenue South, welcoming an even broader audience. This new location reflects their commitment to fostering a creative community where artists of all levels can come together, learn, and share their passion for pottery. The ORPG continues to be a cornerstone for artistic expression, community building, and the celebration of the arts.
Join us and be a part of this inspiring journey, where creativity and camaraderie go hand in hand.
Want to help?
The Oldman River Potters Guild is a non-profit and we reply on fundraising and volunteers to keep our doors open. We graciously accept and appreciate any donations to help support local art in Lethbridge!
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Please send e-transfers to payorpg@gmail.com with a note "donation"