The West Shore arts community is mourning the loss of one of its pioneers.

Arts advocate Betty Burroughs, who spent more than 25 years as a volunteer, board member and champion with the Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts, passed away earlier this month at the age of 80.

B次元官网网址淲hen students think MISSA, they immediately relate it to Betty,B次元官网网址� the schoolB次元官网网址檚 first executive director, Meira Mathison, wrote in a tribute to her longtime friend. B次元官网网址淪he was MISSAB次元官网网址檚 biggest supporter and she absolutely loved every part of the school.B次元官网网址�

Mathison, now an accomplished potter, remembers meeting Burroughs for the first time at a clay symposium at Malaspina College in Nanaimo. Burroughs introduced herself and welcomed the young Mathison. It was a kinship that lasted more than four decades and spoke to the camaraderie Burroughs brought to the community every day.

B次元官网网址淚 canB次元官网网址檛 remember Betty ever missing a meeting and she was always the first to support your ideas and the first to volunteer her time,B次元官网网址� Mathison said.

Burroughs, a well-versed potter was later integral to the creation of VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 Clay Guild, serving as a founding member.

Born Oct. 12, 1935, she leaves behind two children, Lynn and Neil Burroughs, who were by her side when she died peacefully at their home in Esquimalt on May 7.

B次元官网网址淪he made a point of getting to know you, caring about you and generous with her time and affection,B次元官网网址� Mathison wrote. B次元官网网址淗er friends, were friends for life.B次元官网网址�

alim@goldstreamgazette.com