Dawn Olson, Patty Sanders and Dixie Baker are members of the Medicine Hat Potters Association and all participated in the 'Clay it Forward' fundraiser this Holiday Season. A group of 13 pottery artists collaborated to create 13 one-of-a-kind pieces up for silent auction at local businesses.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
lthomson@medicinehatnews.com
A group of local potters will ‘Clay it Forward’ this Christmas by generously donating the proceeds from 13 one-of-a-kind clay pieces to the Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund.
Members of the Medicine Hat Potters Association decided to throw together a unique idea for fundraising during the Holiday Season. ‘Clay it Forward’ is an initiative by 13 local clay artists, all of whom belong to the association. They collaborated on 13 pieces of art now up for silent auction in the same number of local businesses.
The silent auction is open now and runs to Dec. 10.
“Each of the pieces is a collaboration between two artists,” explained Dawn Olson, Medicine Hat Potters Association president. “One person threw it or built it and then a second person decorated it. They’re really neat. We decorated pieces that we wouldn’t normally have, or that aren’t our style or aren’t typical for us, so it was really fun to do.”
The 13 artists that worked together have over 215 years of combined pottery experience.
“It’s just a fun opportunity for us to both stretch ourselves creatively and give back to the community,” said Olson.
The one-of-a-kind pieces are now on display in local businesses, ready for Hatter’s to view and bid on.
Kristine Dalzell is the owner and operator of Zucchini Blossom, one of the businesses hosting a piece for bidding. Dalzell has also been a member of the Potters Association for more than 20 years.
“I’m very fond of them because I am one of them,” Dalzell laughed. “I think Medicine Hat has a real love of clay.”
Dalzell says the initiative was a brainchild of Olson, and is a great way to give back to the community while also drawing awareness to local businesses.
“It just seemed like a perfect fit,” said Dalzell. “We’ve got people in here who are Christmas shopping, they’re wanting to support local and this is a great way to give someone a piece that is truly of Medicine Hat and also support the Santa Claus Fund at the same time.”
Olson says businesses will arrange for the highest bidder to pick up their pieces and collect the money.
“Then us potters will gather the money to give it to the Santa Claus Fund in one lump sum,” said Olson.
Deanna Doerksen, executive director of the SCF, says the organization is extremely thankful for the collaborative initiative in support of their organization.
“So heartwarming to think of all the effort that went into each piece,” said Doerksen. “The Santa Claus Fund began serving our local community this past week and to date has provided Christmas to 248 local families.”
You can view and bid on any of the pieces until Dec. 10 at each of the following businesses: Excel Physiotherapy, Rebel Power Yoga, Zucchini Blossom, The Clay Trade, The Station, Elite Hair Group, The Shabby Vintage Belle, Country Crumbs Cafe, The Olive Tap, Inspire Cafe, Copper Leaf Cafe, Cafe Verve and Andrew’s Barber Ship and Beauty Salon.
