New Project: Legacy Studios

The Mary Fox Legacy Project is pleased to announce a new initiative: Legacy Studios.

I have to say that this is one very exciting project! It is going to be such an amazing space for the island potters with both studios, kilns and a gallery to sell their work. Presently we are beginning work on the renovation plans for the site which is presently the home to the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce. The renovations will begin March 2027 when the Chamber vacates the premises to move to their new location at the historic train station on the waterfront. 

The Vision:

As you enter Legacy Studios, you will be greeted by a gallery showcasing the resident potter’s work. There will be three studios for the potters with one of them being visible from the gallery. The studios will not be open to the pubic but will add to the visitor’s experience of artisans at work. We envision a hive of creativity and an abundance of finely crafted original tableware as well as one-off pieces. 

Renovation work

The renovation of Legacy Studios will occur in two stages. As we won’t have access to the area that the Chamber of Commerce is using until March 2027, we will begin by adding a kiln/glazing room to the existing space, with work scheduled to commence in late February. This room will house a Bailey gas kiln, model # FL DLX 34/22, that has been generously donated to the project by Harvey Abramson. We also plan to equip it with a, yet to be acquired, electric kiln and an Aqua Flow spray booth built by Geil Kilns

Gas kiln rentals

While the gas kiln will be primarily for the resident potters’ use, we plan on giving potters who are working full time at their craft the opportunity to rent the gas kiln so that they too have the option of firing in reduction. Gas kilns are costly and few potters have access to them; we are delighted to be able to expand the island potters’ creative ventures in this way. 

Clay sales

Purchasing clay here on the island is not always the easiest, and we want our potters to be able to source Canadian clays that aren’t readily available. To that end, we are in the process of setting up a joint venture with Victorian Art Glass out of Victoria where we will become a mid island sales point for selected PSH clays as well as dry glazes. To start, the dry glazes will be the cone 6 glazes featured in my first book, My Life as a Potter.

Peter Pugger Pug mills

Aside from the renovations, we are also hoping to purchase two Peter Pugger Pug mills for the studio’s potters use.

Donations much appreciated

As you can imagine, this will be a costly project, and we would welcome donations. We will be setting up a go fund me campaign in a few months so that people can help us with the purchase of the pugmills and other equipment.

We will share our excitement with you and keep you up to date on the progression of things through our social media. Cherry,🍒, will be starting work creating the Mary Fox Pottery-Legacy Studios website and social media pages soon, stay tuned!

Potters helping potters, it’s a good thing!

Potterly yours, Mary