The Claycrafters was formed in 1952 by a group of six women. Within two years the membership had increased to twenty-two and a move to larger premises was indicated. Each year they held exhibitions and demonstrations. Interest grew, as did membership, and by 1961 they were in a position to request space in Stewart Hall, Pointe Claire, a mansion on the shores of Lac St. Louis which had been symbolically sold to the city in 1952 for 1.00 dollar and where Claycrafters remains to date. Now governed by an annually elected executive, the studio comprises nine wheels, three kilns, a showroom and a storeroom. Master potters Robin Hopper, Michael Leach, Gilbert Poissant and Maurice Savoie are amongst those who have demonstrated here. To celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Claycrafters Studio we have been invited to submit work to be displayed in the Stewart hall Art Gallery to 'promote the medium of clay as an art form'. Today, as we work, we will debate exactly what this means. Is this perfectly balanced bowl a work of art? Why is one well finished, functional teapot not considered art but one with a squiggly spout and awkward lid is?
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