The Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley is thrilled to continue our Featured Artist Series, shining a spotlight on one of our remarkable local artists every two weeks. These profiles appear across our social media, website, and in the newspaper, celebrating the creativity thriving in our community.
This installment highlights Kate McKinley, a ceramic artist whose work is rooted in more than twenty years of experience and a deep connection to the craft of pottery. Originally from Saskatchewan, Kate moved to Port Alberni in 2019 following her retirement, bringing with her a lifelong passion for working with clay.
Kate’s journey with ceramics began years ago and developed through both participation in multiple education opportunities at The University of Regina, and hands-on study with established potters across Canada and the United States. Beginning with functional ware, her practice has remained grounded in creating pieces meant to be used and appreciated in everyday life.
Working primarily in mid-fire stoneware, Kate creates functional forms that balance practicality with a quiet, thoughtful sense of design. Her work reflects an appreciation for simplicity, craftsmanship, and the meaningful relationship between maker and user.
Alongside her functional work, Kate has explored alternative firing techniques, including Raku, horsehair and feather firing, Naked Raku, and Obvara. These processes introduce an element of unpredictability, resulting in decorative pieces marked by organic patterns, rich textures, and unique surface effects.
Kate is continually inspired by the versatility of clay and its ability to be thrown on the wheel, hand-built, or sculpted, and even combined with other mediums. This diversity keeps her practice dynamic, encouraging experimentation and a willingness to push creative boundaries.
Her work has been exhibited widely throughout her career. Kate was a Juried Member of the Saskatchewan Craft Council and was featured as a pottery artist in Travel Saskatchewan magazine. Her pieces have been shown in galleries and exhibitions across Saskatchewan, including the Art Gallery of Regina, Cathedral Arts Festival, Bazzart at the MacKenzie Art Gallery, and the Wintergreen Art Show.
Since relocating to British Columbia, Kate has remained active in the arts community. Her work has been exhibited locally at the Grove Gallery at the Rollin Art Centre, including the Playing with Fire exhibition, and she has participated in events such as Solstice Summer Arts.
When asked what she enjoys most about her work, Kate shared:
“I enjoy the freedom that clay provides me to express myself. To see a customer using a vessel I’ve created is the biggest compliment. I hope my work resonates with people in Port Alberni and beyond, and that they enjoy using my pieces as much as I love making them.”
When asked what advice she would give to emerging artists, Kate emphasized:
“The best advice I would give to a new student of clay is to immerse themselves in all aspects of it. Work with as many potters as possible; I’ve been doing this for over 25 years and I’m still learning. The most important lesson came from one of my mentors: ‘Pass everything you learn about clay on to others. Give your knowledge freely, that’s how the craft lives on.’”
Kate is now based in Port Alberni, BC, where she continues to create both functional and decorative ceramic work. Select pieces can be found at theLocal Artisan Gift Shop in the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Centre, as well as at the Ladysmith Art Gallery. She also participates in local shows throughout the year, including events at Shannon Farms and the Christmas in the Valley markets. To view more of her work online, visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/weaselwarepottery
Follow our social media, website, or newspaper every two weeks to discover the next incredible local artist in the Featured Artist Series.
