Board of Directors

The Saskatchewan Craft Council Board of Directors is responsible for the overall governance of the council. It establishes Council policies and ensures that they are adhered to.

Board members serve a 3 year term and they are chosen on a rotational basis at the SCC’s annual meetings held every spring...

KEN WILKINSON
Chair

Ken began his work in clay in classes at the University of Saskatoon in 1974. He studied with ceramic master Jim Thornsbury and was fortunate to have contact with Marilyn Levine, Clayton Bailey, Rudi Autio, John Chaulk, Paul Soldner and others. These experiences led Ken to fall in love with creating in clay in it's many form, an addiction which has only strengthened over the last 30 or so years.

As well as remaining a functional potter, Ken now also explores the worlds of architectural and sculptural ceramics. "Keeping open to new ideas and experiences has lead me to the board of the SCC and a whole new view of craft and its role in our lives. I get to learn and do new things every day, keeping the adventure alive."

KIM LAYBOURNE
Vice Chair

I have been a supporter of the arts and culture industry for a long time, and feel that I can provide a viewpoint from an avid “consumer” of fine craft. I have also been involved in policy governance for a very long time, both as a board member and as an executive director. I have assisted not-for-profit boards in developing and monitoring policies as well as assisting the board of directors in orientation of the policy governance model.

I feel very strongly about things that promote our province, our people and our resources and I see no better way to do that than through craft.

PAULA COOLEY
Recorder

I have been working in clay full-time since 1999 and I have been a member of the Saskatchewan Craft Council since 1998. In 2005 I joined the Board of Directors and currently serve as the Board’s Recorder.

I am continually impressed with the quality of craft that comes from Saskatchewan. I believe our work is innovative and exciting and should be shared throughout Canada and beyond.

LOU PAQUETTE
Member at Large

I became a member of the Saskatchewan Craft Council in the spring of 2006. My motivation to become involved at the board level was prompted by simply my 'love of art'! My appreciation of the talented artisans in this province started many years ago with a couple of small pieces. My interest and collection has grown substantially over the years mainly because of the quality of artisans that we have in the province of Saskatchewan. I have met and befriended so many special unique and talented people in this community. The happiness and enjoyment that I have received through these friendships and their work prompted a feeling. A feeling to give something back. I felt the best way would be to dedicate the time and resources the Saskatchewan Craft Council required to reach the next level.

KAREN HUMBLE
Member at Large

I became a member of the Saskatchewan Craft Council in the spring of 2006. I am sitting on the board to simply help out wherever possible, and to learn all that I can. I am a stone carver with a history in design and a love of hand cut lettering.

People dream of being able to make a living doing what they're passionate about, and it's an honour to be involved with an organization who's work helps those dreams come true.

JACOB SEMKO
Member at Large

Jacob Semko is an author, art educator and a printmaker. He is enthusastic about all aspects of art and craft and remains passionate towards the collaborative process.

Jacob is interested in involving the younger community of artists by introducing them to craft and the Saskatchewan Craft community through the Saskatchewan Craft Council.

WENDY WESEEN
Member at Large

Wendy has been a member of the SCC Board  'on and off' since 2001. She has a life time of experience working as both an employee and volunteer with non-governmental boards in  cultural and human service organizations. Most of all though, she loves being with artists. She loves their forthrightness, diversity, enthusiasm, and commitment. She says it rubs off on her!

She is also an aspiring craft person who prides herself on sitting on the boudary between fine craft and fine art believing there is really very little difference. She is very happy to be on the Board again.

JEFF MARTENS
Member at Large

Jeff Martens is a potter who primarily makes funtional pots. 

The enjoyment of work, lifestyle and the craft community has been a motivation for involvement with the SCC.  Jeff is thankful for the role that the SCC has had on his development as a professional potter and would like to see future generations of Saskatchewan craftspeople receive the same support.

DALE POTTER
Member at Large

Dale Potter is a mixed media artist and teacher who specialises in fibre art. Her art has been exhibited locally, nationally and internationally. She sees a connection between culture and its arts &crafts. She often draws cultural elements into her work.

Dale joined SCC in 2005 and become a Board member in 2007. She is enthusiastic in promoting the SCC and art in every facet of her life.

MICKEY WOODARD
Member at Large

Mickey Woodard worked at the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission for 25 years as their legal counsel. He has been in private practice since 2006.

He has lived and played in the Nutana Area of Saskatoon for all of these years and has been a supporter of fine arts and crafts. As well he enjoys skiing, golfing, softball, running and other sports.

Over the years he has served on many boards including the John Howard Society, the Saskatoon Community Clinic and Aids Saskatoon. He believes that artists, and specifically craft artists, add greatly to the quality of our lives and he is happy to have the opportunity to bring his board experience to the SCC.