Peterborough potter likes ‘playing in the mud’
JoAnne Connell Northey has been creating pottery for about 30 years and is a member of the Kawartha Potters Guild
A member of the Kawartha Potters Guild, JoAnne Connell Northey started making pottery about 30 years ago while taking classes at Fleming College.
“I make primarily functional ware such as bowls and mugs,” she said. “Often I decorate them with flowers or barn and farm sketches. Recently I am trying my hand at sculpture, primarily animals.”
At the guild, Northey volunteers by co-ordinating the spring and Christmas shows, which is a new job for her this year.
When asked why she makes pottery, Northey says that she enjoys “playing in the mud,” as it allows her to be creative and that she is always surprised when she opens the kiln to see the results of her labours.
Northey also paints in watercolour and acrylic.
In addition to the guild, she belongs to the Buckhorn Artists’ Group, Studio 201 and the East
Central Ontario Art Association.
Northey’s advice for budding potters is to “have fun with it and try different things. There are many different ways to make pottery. Enjoy the process!”
Northey was born in Peterborough and grew up moving every three or four years. She says she has lived in almost every province in Canada, as well as in England, Germany and Switzerland. She is a retired registered nurse. She and her husband live on their farm near Buckhorn, where she sometimes hosts art shows in her 100-year-old barn.
Fall six-week classes at the guild start the week of Sept. 9 and are offered at all levels of expertise from beginners through to advanced.
The Kawartha Potters Guild store at 993 Talwood Dr. sells a range of creations by members of the guild as well as those by members of the Artisans Centre. For more information, please call 705-742-4979 or visit www.kawarthapottersguild.com.
New Horizons Bands
On Monday, Sept. 9, New Horizons Bands are hosting an open house for those who have played or would like to play a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument. It is at Living Hope Church, 1 Consumers Pl., across from Morello’s grocers on Lansdowne Street East, from 9 a.m. to noon. The church is accessible.
“Whether you’re a beginner who may not read music, someone who would like to get back into playing in a concert band, or someone who has played recently and is more advanced, the Peterborough New Horizons Bands might be just right for you,” said Pat Wade, director in charge of publicity and membership. “We offer five levels of bands, sectionals, socials, fun, learning, two concerts a year and more.”
Visitors can meet some of the members and observe how the introductory Green Band works. You can find out about the other four bands that rehearse on either Wednesday mornings or afternoons. For more information, please visit www.nhbpeterborough.com or find them on Facebook.
Liftlock Bands
The Liftlock Bands are beginning another season of music making and welcome new musicians.
Their Encore Concert Band will begin rehearsals Wednesday, Sept. 11 with rehearsals at Bridgenorth United Church, 832 Charles St., Bridgenorth, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Bring your instrument and a stand. There is parking available in the lot next door.
The Swing Band plays jazz, big band and other related styles and will meet at Long and McQuade, 129 Aylmer St. N., starting Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon.
It is made up mostly of a traditional big band instrumentation, though they it features a few other instruments.
Please contact music director Paul van der Bank for more information at liftlockbandspeterborough@gmail.com.