Stoneware Gallery celebrates 45+ years of shaping Manitoba’s clay scene

Being a self-employed artist is no easy feat — whether you're a musician, writer, or visual artist, turning creative passion into a full-time gig often means navigating financial uncertainty and fierce competition. But for Manitoba ceramic artists, one place has been helping smooth that path for more than four decades. 

Since 1978, the Stoneware Gallery has provided a supportive home for local potters and craftspeople in Winnipeg. “The gallery was run by two people in the beginning,” says founding member Valerie Metcalfe. “It was open for possibly three years before the cooperative gallery was formed.” 

As Metcalfe explains, “the thinking was that it was just too expensive for those two people that owned it at the time,” which led longtime ceramicist John Waddell to float the idea of forming a co-op. “He’d been working in the ceramic field in Winnipeg for a long time, and he knew a number of us that he approached with the idea of a cooperative gallery and we thought it was a good idea.” 

Tucked into the Corydon strip between Arbuthnot and Cockburn, Stoneware Gallery is now one of Canada’s longest-running pottery shops, housing work from 15 local ceramic artists — though technically there are 12 full memberships, with some shared. “In the very beginning, I think there were ten of us,” says Metcalfe. “When we grew into the space we have now… it became 12 members and we allow six people to share a membership so that it’s 15, but that’s the cap.” 

When a spot opens up, there's often a waiting list. “They apply with the usual way, with CVs and slides and samples of their work. And they’re voted on.” 

Beyond the gallery space, the building also houses the Stoneware Studio — a community learning space with 11 pottery wheels and high demand for classes. “We have eight classes a week,” says Metcalfe. “We post openings on our website as well as on our Instagram account. And when the opening is posted, they usually go within about two or three days.” 

The studio also runs special beginner-friendly summer classes, which tend to be easier to get into. “Many of our regular students take a break over the summer,” she notes. Some of those beginners have stuck around long enough to join the gallery itself. “Yes, I believe we have five members now that started with as students with us.” 

Seven of the current gallery artists also use the large gas kiln located on-site, while others fire their work in home studios. “There’s so many ways to do ceramics — there’s low fire, medium fire, high fire, smoke fired — and we like to have a broad representation of all these different methods in the show,” Metcalfe says. 

That variety is one of the co-op’s biggest strengths, showcasing everything from functional dishware to sculptural wall art. “We share a passion and agree we all love to create,” says Metcalfe. “There are many similarities and sensibilities, but ultimately everyone has their own unique aesthetic and approach to this discipline. And that’s what we like to see in the show — a good variety of pieces and styles.” 

For shoppers, that means everything from mugs and bowls to unique, commissioned pieces. “Absolutely,” says Metcalfe when asked if customers can commission custom work. “I think it’s fun for both the artist and the customer to work towards what the customer envisions and what the artist knows is possible.” 

She believes part of the appeal lies in the tactile, human quality of pottery. “There is a warmth to handmade pieces that feels personal to many people. I think they like to… have something that feels good, suits their decor, maybe just inspires them because it’s beautiful. Ceramics, historically, there’s a communication between the maker and the purchaser. You can feel how the artist’s hands moved over the piece.” 

For those curious to browse or buy, Stoneware Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours during sales and the holiday season. There’s also an online shop at stonewaregallery.com. 

Whether you're picking up your new favourite mug or exploring your own creative potential behind the wheel, Stoneware Gallery continues to shape a community built on clay — one unique piece at a time.