It's no secret the Semiahmoo Peninsula is a hotbed of artists, but there are so many potters here the local club has a waiting list.

Diane Petersen, president of Semiahmoo Potters, said there are "usually eight to 12 people" waiting for a spot in the club at any given time. Yearly memberships come due at this time of year, so a few lucky people will get a coveted spot while the rest continue to wait on the club finding a larger permanent home for their chance.

"We'd love to be able to (take more new members)," she said. "We always have a waiting list."

Petersen said the club has 32 active members, all of whom are amateurs who have varying levels of proficiency. Each member serves on a committee and most take part in the club's two annual sales.

There is a chance Semiahmoo Potters will find a larger space than the house it currently rents in South Surrey, but that's at least a year or two away yet, Petersen said.

Until then, members will continue to practice their art in the small rented house-cum-studio space where they can use one of the club wheels, kilns and many unique glazes.

"Pottery is a very multifaceted type of an art," she said, likening it to golf in that it's impossible to completely master it.

There is always that kind of progression of skills, Petersen explained.

And that is where having a club membership is so valuable.

It's a process of "constant discovery" where each person shares tips and techniques with others, and through workshops and experimentation, club members constantly refine and expand their abilities.

While the retired English teacher said she also writes and plays music, which is fulfilling, pottery is different.

"I think pottery is more allencompassing because there are so many stages to it," she said.

"There's always growth."

The club first formed in 1994 with 11 members. Since then it has moved several times, always searching for an easily accessible studio space to call home.

Semiahmoo Potters became a registered non-profit society in 2006, and has most recently offered input on the pottery studio being built as part of the South Surrey Recreation Centre expansion.

"We've really been very instrumental in terms of just giving our advice and suggestions on what potters want and why," said Petersen.

It seems the new space will be well used, given that Semiahmoo Potters normally sees a slow down of member activity through the summer months, but didn't this year. With the waitlist, it seems pottery is very much alive and well on the Peninsula.

For more information on the club and its upcoming second sale of the year, see semiahmoopotters.com.

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