Pottery Works is a multi-media art studio that supports, teaches and promotes artists overcoming disability through the practice of art and craft. Our primary goal at Pottery Works is to support community inclusion for our artists. We teach and promote them to become valued members of their communities and to be recognized for their abilities and contributions. Some of our artists are currently putting together a collection of paintings representing their New West community. They go out every Thursday to take photos of what they see to later use as reference for their paintings. This collection is not only a representation of what the artists see, but it is an expression of the independence and the community access they have gained over time.  

Pottery Works CV:Pottery Works started operations 16 years ago. We are sponsored by the Community Living Society, an organization that has been providing residential and day supports since the 1970’s. We started with six artists in the year 2000 and now represent over 40. Our artists have shown their work at shows and galleries all over the Lower Mainland. Some of the highlights include a month long show in July 2016, in the Lookout Gallery at UBC. This show featured 25 landscape paintings by our Colour Collective group of painters. 5 years ago Pottery Works opened a store in the River Market of New Westminster to give our artists exposure and an opportunity to meet and interact with the public. At River Market, our artists demonstrate how they paint their pottery for the public and develop relationships with their community. Our photographers have shown their work at multiple shows and produce a line of photo cards that are very popular. Through learning the techniques and discipline of pottery and painting, our artists have grown as people. Meeting the public and selling their work helps to heal their self-esteem and give them an identity and role in the larger society.