Tucker's Pottery Supplies Ltd. Clay Supply Grant

Tucker’s Pottery Supplies was established by Frank Tucker in 1975. Frank’s vision was to be known as a supplier of high quality products and excellent service. That vision has not changed.

In 1980 Tucker’s purchased Rodaco Clay Ltd. which had been a clay manufacturer owned by Ron Roy and Michael Davis. The company continues to produce millions of pounds of clay a year and distributes it throughout Canada and the U.S. In 1982 Tuckers established a sister company, Cone Art Kilns Inc. Cone Art is a manufacturer of high quality electric kilns for potters and glass artists. The kilns are manufactured in Ontario and are distributed through a network of dealers all over North America as well as Europe, South America, Asia and the Middle East. In 1989 Tuckers acquired Stratford Clay Supply from the Goodmunson brothers when they decided to retire. John Goodmunson, a ceramic engineer had been Frank’s mentor during the early years so it was a natural fit.

Tuckers has always been committed to supporting Canada’s artists and arts organizations with a particular focus on young artists. We are proud of our association with Crafts Ontario and especially with the Crafts Award program for emerging professional artists. The Tuckers Pottery Supplies Ltd. Clay Supply Grant provides funds for students or emerging craft professionals to purchase equipment and/or materials to establish their studios.

The Craft Awards program is able to take place on an annual basis through the valued support of many generous donors and sponsors. Our thanks go to the following organizations, businesses and individuals: Gladstone House, The Pottery Supply House, Tuckers Pottery Supplies Ltd., FUSION: the Ontario Clay and Glass Association, Lacy West Supplies. Ltd., as well as members and friends of the Mather, Farndale, Copeland, Walker, Gregor, McPherson, and Yung families.

       

Tucker logo

 

 

The Pottery Supply House Clay or Glass Supply Grant

The Pottery Supply House (PSH) in Oakville, Ontario was founded in 1958 by Jorgen Poschmann to meet the needs of potters and clayworkers for clay, glaze, raw materials, kilns and equipment.  Jorgen's partner, Graham Willis, joined the company in 1961 and the company was incorporated in 1964. PSH has been an important part of the Canadian ceramic and commercial pottery industry ever since.

Today, ownership has passed to a new generation, who remain committed to providing the best new products and services to potters and sculptors. The current generation of owners, Eric Poschmann, Gunnar Poschmann and Jeremy Willis, continue to work to fulfill the changing needs of modern potters. At the same time, PSH expertise is being applied to many new industrial and R&D applications.

PSH provides a complete range of supplies and equipment to potters from their primary location in Oakville, Ontario, Canada and from S&S Pottery Supplies in Kitchener, Ontario. They produce their own clay bodies and glazes, and carry a full line of tools, raw materials, books and equipment.

1120Speers

PSH also manufactures "Euclid Kilns" and "Euclid's Elements". They build top and front loading kilns for pottery, glass, enamelling and many other applications. They make elements for all kilns, including custom, and supply parts and service for all makes of kilns and equipment. Additionally, PSH manufactures kilns and furnaces for a wide variety of industrial uses, and are a respected source for a wide variety of related products. PSH has been successful in responding to a wide range of heat process requirements in industry, some far removed from traditional ceramics.

Product innovation and adaptability are central themes at PSH. While expansion to serve the needs of other industries has become a major instrument for steady growth, PSH is committed, first and foremost, to developing and seeking out improved products and services for clayworkers and glassworkers. As testament to the company’s dedication to clay and glass artists in Canada, PSH maintains an expanding collection of pottery, sculpture and glasswork which can be seen in the company showroom. The Pottery Supply House is also an active supporter of organizations and events that promote clay and glass, including Craft Ontario.

The Pottery Supply House Clay or Glass Supply Grant provides funds for students or emerging craft professionals to purchase equipment and/or materials to establish their studios.

The Craft Awards program is able to take place on an annual basis through the valued support of many generous donors and sponsors. Our thanks go to the following organizations, businesses and individuals: Gladstone House, The Pottery Supply House, Tuckers Pottery Supplies Ltd., FUSION: the Ontario Clay and Glass Association, Lacy West Supplies. Ltd., as well as members and friends of the Mather, Farndale, Copeland, Walker, GregorMcPherson, and Yung families.

 
               

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Then and now: PSH operated out of  "The Granary" on the banks of  the Sixteen MileCreek in the heart of Oakville in the 1960's. Today, the PSH building and showroom is found at 1120 Speers Road, Oakville, ON.

William and Mary Corcoran Award for Excellence in Functional Craft

Craft Ontario patrons William and Mary Corcoran established this award in 2023 to support the practices of mid-career craft artists who focus on creating functional work for everyday use. The education and support Mary Corcoran received as a student at Sheridan College made a great impact on her life, and it is fitting that William and Mary are providing ongoing support to craft as an area of the arts that has greatly enriched their lives.

In 1880, English textile designer William Morris stated: “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” His vision was driven by the belief that holistic human experience must include creative expression. During a time of industrialization and goods produced in poor conditions, Morris sought to conserve traditional skills, respect for artists, and to advocate for improved social and environmental conditions. With the intention to revive a collaboration between art and design, Morris championed handmade objects that are beautiful and meaningful, and that are achieved through the use of local materials and creative originality.

Acknowledging the challenges faced, and the dedication required to sustain a creative practice for many years, this award celebrates the remarkable ability for craft artists to make everyday life meaningful through beautiful functional objects.

The Craft Awards program is able to take place on an annual basis through the valued support of many generous donors and sponsors. Our thanks go to the following organizations, businesses and individuals: JJStudioLeisa Rich and the Contemporary Textile Studio Co-opThe Pottery Supply House, Tuckers Pottery Supplies Ltd., FUSION: the Ontario Clay and Glass Association, Lacy West Supplies. Ltd., as well as members and friends of the Mather, Farndale, Copeland, Walker, Gregor, McPherson, and Yung families.

 
               

Anne Barros You are what you eat with sterling silver aluminum baroque pearl ivory bead patinated copper 2000. Photo  Tracy Clare

An example of functional work by Craft Ontario member Anne Barros, You are what you eat with, sterling silver, aluminum, baroque pearl, ivory bead, patinated copper, 2000. Photo by Tracy Clare.

Gladstone House Award

Situated in West Queen West, one of Toronto's most creative neighbourhoods, the reimagined Gladstone House maintains its emphasis on culture, art, and diversity, while ensuring the building's rich history and iconic original architecture remain preserved. The celebrated boutique hotel, steeped in history, is brought to life with work by local artists throughout the building. Gladstone House is part of Archive Hospitality, which also operates the Broadview Hotel (Toronto) and the Postmark Hotel (Newmarket).

Gladstone House provides an opportunity for craft professionals to exhibit their work in the guest rooms.

The Craft Awards program is able to take place on an annual basis through the valued support of many generous donors and sponsors. Our thanks go to the following organizations, businesses and individuals: JJStudioLeisa Rich and the Contemporary Textile Studio Co-opThe Pottery Supply House, Tuckers Pottery Supplies Ltd., FUSION: the Ontario Clay and Glass Association, Lacy West Supplies. Ltd., as well as members and friends of the Mather, Farndale, Copeland, Walker, Gregor, McPherson, and Yung families.

 
               

Gladstone House exterior

Gladstone House, exterior.

Rich Foundation Residency

Enjoy a 1-week artist residency on Howe Island, Ontario, made possible by The Rich Foundation. This is an amazing opportunity for textile/fibre artists to make space for their practice, and explore new artistic directions in a natural environment. The artist will stay in a private cottage on the island, with indoor and outdoor studio spaces, a sewing machine, and other basic supplies and materials. If desired, the artist can participate in a mentorship with textile artist and educator, Leisa Rich. 

The Rich Foundation is a charitable trust funded by Leisa and John Rich to support fibre arts and environmental initiatives. The fiber arts directive is on supporting emerging and mid-career visual artists working with fibres and textiles, who are exploring experimental concepts, methods and/or materials, and who inspire others to try new things. The environmental directive focuses on new and emerging technologies, and transformative approaches, that increase biodiversity

for the purpose of mitigating climate change. It is their goal to support others to make a significant impact on the world by utilizing creative and innovative thinking.

 

Residency Code of Conduct

 

The Craft Awards program is able to take place on an annual basis through the valued support of many generous donors and sponsors. Our thanks go to the following organizations, businesses and individuals: JJStudioLeisa Rich and the Contemporary Textile Studio Co-opThe Pottery Supply House, Tuckers Pottery Supplies Ltd., FUSION: the Ontario Clay and Glass Association, Lacy West Supplies. Ltd., as well as members and friends of the Mather, Farndale, Copeland, Walker, Gregor, McPherson, and Yung families.

 
               

Rich Foundation Residency 36

Rich Foundation Residency 01

Rich Foundation Residency 20

Kate Carder, 2023 Rich Foundation Residency Artist

Who We Are

Formerly the Ontario Crafts Council, Craft Ontario is a not-for-profit service organization that works to have craft recognized as a valuable part of life. We promote and celebrate professional craft through providing member opportunities, and advocate for craft practice by educating and empowering diverse audiences.