34th Annual Denman Island Pottery Studio Tour

add to outlook add to google calendar remind me

Saturday, May 20th, 2023
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

One of BC’s only pottery-specific studio tours, the Denman Island Pottery Studio Tour has been an annual event on the Victoria Day long weekend since 1987 (except for 2020-21).

The free, self-guided tour gets you behind the scenes where the art happens, the opportunity to meet the artists and learn about their techniques and processes, and a chance to explore the idyllic countryside, forests and shores of Denman Island.

Many of the potters have been creating on Denman Island for more than three decades.

This year, you can view the work of seven diverse potters at six island studios:

1. Tom Dennis Pottery

2. Gilded Petunia Pottery, also featuring Patty Osborne Pottery

3. Gordon Hutchens Pottery 

4. Le Baron Studio (*Final tour!)

5. Lilac Sun Pottery 

6. Sandra Shaffer Pottery

These artists’ work ranges from simple, functional pots, to fantasy sculpture, to museum-quality pieces, and of course, handmade mugs to suit every taste.

What’s a pottery studio tour?

It’s a once-a-year-only opportunity. The artists prepare for the pottery tour months in advance and often their latest work is being unveiled for the tour on the May long weekend. While some of the studios on the tour are open year-round, some are seasonal, some are by appointment only, and some artist’s work is only available at art fairs, so this is the best time of year to ensure you get into several studios.

How does a self-guided studio tour work?

Get the free Denman Island Pottery Studio Tour map (either online, at the ferry booth in Buckley Bay or at the Denman Craft Shop in downtown Denman Island) and choose your route. You’ll need a car or a bicycle to take in the 51 square kilometres of rural beauty as you travel cliffside roads above the coast and through towering trees to discover art in its natural environment.

Some studios are perched on hilltops with ocean views, others are tucked down long woodland lanes. You can plan your route based on location or on specific artists you want to visit. Allow extra time if you plan to visit parks, beaches or other Denman shops while you’re here. If you’re on foot, there are two studios within walking distance of the Denman West ferry terminal.

Part road trip, part art show, part treasure hunt, the 34th Annual Denman Island Pottery Studio Tour on the Victoria Day long weekend is a free, self-guided adventure for pottery lovers!

Visit the Denman Island Pottery Studio Tour website

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram