Meet Your Board Member

Back in the day when phones were attached to the wall by curly cords and messages were recorded in the thin skin of clay left on a bat…

Meet Your Board Member:

BARBARA GLYN PRODANIUK

I first witnessed a potter at work during a grade school field trip to Old Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts, and immediately wanted to try it myself. Although I couldn’t persuade the potter to let me have a go that day, I made a promise to myself that I would find a way to explore ceramics, and I did just that.

My journey with clay began in college and has remained a constant in my life ever since. I served as the ceramics lab assistant at Moorpark College, apprenticed under potter John Schulps in Calabasas, California, and earned a BFA from California State University, Northridge in 1978.

Following graduation, I rented space in Frank Masserella’s studio in Canoga Park, CA.During this time, I served as a Summer Program Instructor for Ceramic Basic Design at Moorpark Junior College in 1980.

On my way to Truckee to set up my first studio

In 1981 I set up my first studio in Truckee, CA. In 1989 we built our own home with my current studio. I sold my work in galleries, shops, and shows. I was the ceramic instructor at Sierra Nevada College in Incline Village, NV, from 1994 to 1997.

While I enjoyed teaching, I had two small children and my salary as a part-time instructor didn’t quite cover the cost of daycare and the doctor bills that were a result of daycare. My heart always belonged to my studio, prompting my return to being a full-time studio potter and allowing me to be home for my kids.

I had to learn how to work with small increments of time and how to hold onto the creative thread despite many interruptions. Surviving as a full-time studio potter takes a lot of hard work. Long hours, and the flexibility to change as

opportunities rise and fall. I continue to sell my work through galleries and shops nationwide, participating in shows, and running my studio and online shop.

Barbara Glynn Prodaniuk working in her studio, Truckee, California

Joining the ACGA in 2004 opened many doors for me. It introduced me to many extremely talented artists and afforded me opportunities to participate in a variety of venues. I have actively contributed to various projects, and I’m currently pleased to serve on the Board. I encourage everyone to find ways to get involved and contribute their time and expertise to this community. Your efforts will be rewarded with the connections and friendships you build. Clay remains a central part of my life. My work stands out due to my imagination, strong desire to explore new ideas and techniques, and continuous evolution of my sculptural pieces. I primarily work with white stoneware and a porcelain clay body, utilizing both a Raku kiln and a high-fire gas kiln. Some pieces incorporate mixed media elements. Over the past 45 years, my dialogue with clay has deepened into a lifetime commitment that grows more rewarding with each

passing year. I currently operate a pottery studio in my home, drawing inspiration from daily life events and experiences, as well as the beauty of the surrounding Tahoe andGreat Basin areas and their abundant life forms.

Learn more at Barbara Glynn Prodaniuk or @bgprodaniuk