Semiahmoo Potters was started in 1994 by a group of eleven local potters who had taken pottery classes provided by the Community Arts Council of White Rock. The organization's goal was to provide studio space for experienced potters wanting to develop their craft, share ideas and work together. 

That goal continues to this day; run as a cooperative, our members commit to helping manage kiln firings, glaze mixing, sales organization and such. In addition, workshops and monthly meetings are aspects of club membership. Our club continues to grow over the years, indicating a strong and continued community need, and we currently have thirty seven active members.

Originally the Semiahmoo Potters shared a space at White Rock Elementary School. When the school district reclaimed this room, the club relocated to several temporary facilities. In our search for a studio space we became even more involved in the community, belonging to and participating in events with both Surrey and Semiahmoo District Arts Councils. Many of our members also belong to the Fraser Valley Potters Guild. For 8 years we rented an old studio converted home from well-known BC potter, Don Hutchinson and his wife Louise. Having Don drop by to provide impromptu hands-on support was wonderful; he could always offer advice and find beauty in even our most rudimentary pots! In 2012 the City of Surrey invited SPS to lobby for a new pottery studio to be added to the South Surrey Recreation & Arts Centre. Recognizing the public's expanding interest in ceramic arts and our role in "connecting communities with clay" we worked with the Surrey Manager of Arts to design, organize and equip the new studio which opened in 2014. We also help the Semiahmoo Arts Society in planning community courses and monitoring the space. It became our home until January 2023. Again, partnering with the City of Surrey Parks, Recreation and Culture managers, we helped plan and organize the repurposed Crescent Park caretaker site into a small 20-person pottery studio. Located at 2585 132nd Street, the studio provides workspace to create, decorate, glaze and fire our for our potters and our community. It also has a small gallery of pottery for show and sale. As studio managers it is our responsibility to make the glazes, fire the kilns, and provide a safe and welcoming learning space in the peninsula.

We're still in the moving in stages, but ultimately programs for public drop-in, small classes and outdoor events will be offered and listed in the Leisure Guide.

As we continue to evolve we are looking for new opportunities to expand. We became a registered non-profit society in March 2006 and were then eligible to apply for grants. A City of Surrey Cultural Grant enabled us to work with local Brownie groups and two Surrey School District Learning Centers to share the love of clay with local youth. Grants have funded Crescent Park Studio materials, equipment, and projects for the public.

Our two annual pottery sales held in May and November, provide opportunity to show and sell our work. The sales commissions augment our membership fees, which cover the society's rent and other operating costs. As well, partnering with Fraser Valley Potters Guild members, we participate in locally at both the White Rock Landmark Pop-Up Town Art Gallery and the Crescent Beach Pop-up gallery. We welcome invitations to attend cultural events, and have been part of the Crescent Beach Camp Alex Fest and Stewart Farm Harvest Fair.

Semiahmoo Potters' vision is to continue to expand as a community resource offering a variety of ceramic techniques, firing processes, workshops and shows.

Our Mission and Values

The mission of the Semiahmoo Potters is to:

• Foster, encourage and develop the art of pottery in the South Surrey and White Rock Communities

• Provide members with a pottery facility, equipment and services

• Offer a forum for the interchange of knowledge and skills among members

We share these values:

•  Integrity and honesty

•  Education and sharing

•  Team work and participation

•  Respect

•  Fun and camaraderie

•  Personal safety and environmental stewardship

Membership

For further information about the Semiahmoo Potters or an  active membership, don't hesitate to contact us. Find more information and the application forms on our contact page.

As active members in both the Surrey and Community Arts Council of White Rock and District our sales and information updates are advertised in both council websites and you can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.