Saskatchewan Pottery Scene: Local Studios Featured on Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown
- Marea Olafson
- Feb 7, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 28
CBC'S GREAT CANADIAN POTTERY THROWDOWN PUTS SASKATCHEWAN'S POTTERY SCENE IN THE SPOTLIGHT
In Canada this week, pottery will be at the top of people's reality TV watching with the launch of The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown on Thursday, February 8, 2024, on CBC Gem. As someone deeply embedded in Saskatchewan's pottery community, I couldn't be more excited about this show launching and what it means for our local ceramic arts scene.
My Journey with The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown
I have watched other industries have their TV shows and competitions, but I am beyond excited for this pottery competition launching in Canada. Now some background is needed: My mom and I have both watched the British version of The Great Pottery Throw Down, so when the casting call came out for The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown, my mom sent me the link to apply—along with several other people who thought I should audition.
I applied and completed a Zoom interview with the show's producers, but unfortunately didn't make the final cut. Honestly, it wasn't the right time as I was in the middle of renovating the third-floor attic space to launch Elemental Claycation, my pottery studio and classes here in Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan Pottery Community Response to the Show
The excitement around The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown has energized our local pottery community. I have a "staff room" with three other talented potters here in Saskatchewan, and we've made an exciting decision: we're going to tackle the show's challenges in our home studio each week.
This is exactly how we grow in our art form—by pushing ourselves, trying new techniques, and learning from the creative challenges that competitive pottery presents.
What The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown Means for Saskatchewan Pottery
This national exposure is incredible for Saskatchewan's pottery scene. Our province has always had a rich tradition of ceramic arts, and now viewers across Canada will get to see the skill, creativity, and passion that defines our pottery community.
Local Pottery Classes and Workshops in Saskatchewan
If The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown has inspired you to try pottery yourself, Saskatchewan offers amazing opportunities:
Beginner pottery classes for those just starting their ceramic journey
Advanced pottery workshops for experienced ceramic artists
Private pottery lessons for personalized instruction
Group pottery experiences perfect for team building or celebrations
How to Watch The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown
The show premieres Thursday, February 8, 2024, exclusively on CBC Gem. Canadian pottery enthusiasts can finally have their own version of the beloved British pottery competition that has inspired ceramic artists worldwide.
Join Saskatchewan's Pottery Community
Whether you're inspired by The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown or have always wanted to try working with clay, Saskatchewan's pottery scene welcomes everyone. From complete beginners to seasoned ceramic artists, there's a place for you in our creative community.
Ready to start your pottery journey? Contact us to learn about pottery classes, workshops, and ceramic art experiences available right here in Saskatchewan.
Are you planning to watch The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown? Have you ever tried pottery classes? Share your thoughts and pottery experiences in the comments below!
Now hold the disappointment that I didn't make it onto the TV show this season! CBC Radio Saskatchewan program Blue Sky with Leisha Grebinski producer called Tuesdday wanting to talk pottery. They had their episode on Thursday at noon all about pottery in Saskatchewan and invited me to be a part of the show. You can listen by clicking on this link:
This isn't the first time that I have been on CBC Radio Saskatchewan about my pottery. February 7, 2020 I was interviewed on CBC Radio Saskatchewan's Morning Edition to talk about my highway store being run on the honour system.
Did you notice the date of that interview? Yep four years ago to the week I was on CBC Radio and will be again! So exciting to talk about my passion of pottery on the day that nationally a pottery competition show will be aired! Check out the trailer for the show:
I hope that you enjoyed the Bly Sky episode on Thursday at lunch time and tune intoThe Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown and see what challenges I am going to be doing in my studio over the next week. I luckily won't have cameras rolling the whole time and also I will have more time to push my pottery skills!
Marea Olafson
Freba Pottery
It was so much fun to be a part of CBC Radio Blue Sky and talk pottery…the highlight though was listening to other Saskatchewan potters!