Hansen- Ross Pottery, A Way With Clay
Mission Ridge Ski Hill, Fort Qu’Appelle
August 20 and 21, 2010
In September of 2009, the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery opened “A Way With Clay” – an exhibition featuring the work of Fort Qu’Appelle potters David Ross and Folmer Hansen. Ross and Hansen opened their pottery in the Fort in 1961 after purchasing The Craft House owned by the Saskatchewan Arts Board; which had offered classes there since 1954. David Ross and Folmer Hansen continued to offer classes for awhile, but eventually moved on to full time pottery production. Their work was a collaboration – Folmer did the wheel work and David the glazing and firing. They became nationally recognized during a show of Canadian Craft in 1967 at Expo in Montreal, at the Government of Canada Pavilion. Tragically, David Ross was killed in a car accident in 1974. Folmer carried on with his work until his health deteriorated to the point where the studio was closed. He still resides in Fort Qu’Appelle.
The Prairie Trails Arts Council, in cooperation with the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery invite Fort Qu’Appelle area residents – and beyond – to ”A Way With Clay” on August 20 and 21 at Mission Ridge Ski Hill. A reception will be held on Friday August 20 at 5:30p.m. and on Saturday, August 21, from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m., people are asked to bring their favorite Hansen-Ross pieces to Mission Ridge for a “Show and Tell” event. Curator Heather Smith, Ceramic Specialist Julia Krueger and well known Artist David Thauberger will be on hand to talk about the pieces. Folmer will also be there to tell his stories! Folmer Hansen is a local treasure and this event will not only celebrate his work and contribution to Fort Qu’Appelle, but also his 80th birthday!
For further information contact: Bonnie Schaffer 332-4018
