Legacy Studios

Legacy Studios

As you enter Legacy Studios, you will be welcomed by a gallery showcasing the work of our resident potters. The studio will feature three pottery workspaces, with one visible from the gallery, offering visitors a glimpse into the creative process and the artisans at work.

While the studios themselves will not be open to the public, their presence will contribute to the unique experience of Legacy Studios — a vibrant hive of creativity where beautifully crafted, original tableware and one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces are created.

A New Chapter for the Site

We are currently beginning work on renovation plans for the site, which is presently home to the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce. Renovations are scheduled to begin in May 2027, when the Chamber vacates the premises and moves to its new location at the historic train station on the waterfront.

The Legacy Project Fund will cover the costs of the renovation, as well as the installation of a gas kiln.

Supporting Local Potters

Resident Legacy Studio potters will enter into one-year contracts, with the option to renew annually. Potters will be responsible for their own studio rent, utilities, supplies, and housing.

In addition to supporting resident artists, Legacy Studios will provide services to the broader pottery community. The studio will offer contract gas firing for local potters and will serve as a distributor of Canadian-made clay.

These additional services will provide valuable resources to potters throughout Vancouver Island while generating revenue to help support the ongoing operation and sustainability of Legacy Studios.

Help the potters of tomorrow. Please consider making a donation to the endowment fund by clicking the button below.

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Things are starting to come together for Legacy Studios, here is some more information for you.

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 home to the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce. The renovations will begin May 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 potters’ 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. The area that the Chamber of Commerce is in won’t be vacated till May 2027 but we can start work on the kiln room before then. The kiln 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 spray booth.

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 becoming a distributer for  PSH clays and supplies.

Peter Pugger Pug mills

Aside from the renovations, we are also hoping to purchase three Peter Pugger Pug mills, one for each studio.

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, advancer kiln shelves 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, stay tuned!

Potters helping potters, it’s a good thing!

Potterly yours, Mary