History

The Cariboo Potters’ Guild was founded in 1967 after a workshop given by visiting instructor Zelko Kjundzic. At this time, Anna Roberts became the first president of a small group of potters.  Over the years, the Guild has had numerous studios, the first being a small cabin on North Lakeside with only wood heat.  Later, the School District let the potters use a room in the basement of the Resource Centre and allowed them to build a gas kiln just outside.  Then the Community Arts Council purchased a portable classroom which was set up behind Columneetza Secondary School.  This building was at first shared with the Drama Club and the Cariboo Arts Society, then for many years, used only by the potters.  The gas kiln was rebuilt at the edge of the playing field.  In 1994, due to the expansion of the school, the portable and kiln had to be moved to Skyline School on South Lakeside.  In 2008, the Skyline School and the Arts portable were demolished for a new fire hall.  The Cariboo Potters' Guild was moved to the Heritage House at Cariboo Lodge.  This was a temporary location set up until the current site could be renovated.  The Guild now enjoys the use of studio space in the old fire hall, known as the Central Cariboo Arts Centre located at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Borland Street in Williams Lake BC.