Ester Galac is so passionate about pottery that she turned down a diamond ring as a 20th wedding anniversary gift from her husband, and opted instead for a potterB次元官网网址檚 wheel.

The 55-year-old Saanich resident first entered the pottery world more than two decades ago, after years of interest in the art but never having had an opportunity to set foot into that world.

B次元官网网址淥ur girls were taking ballet lessons at Cedar Hill. While waiting for them I was wandering through the halls and found the pottery studio. I was enchanted,B次元官网网址� Galac recalls.

She took her first pottery class in 1989, but the timing wasnB次元官网网址檛 right to pursue the art B次元官网网址� what with raising two daughters B次元官网网址� so she didnB次元官网网址檛 return to pottery until 1999.

ThatB次元官网网址檚 when she took another class. And then another. And then another. And Galac has never looked back.

SheB次元官网网址檚 now an active member of the South Vancouver Island Potters Guild, which is hosting its annual show and sale at the Fairfield Gonzales Community Place on June 16.

The bottom floor of GalacB次元官网网址檚 Gordon Head home is more or less reserved for her art.

She has her studio (where she throws the clay and forms the pieces), a kiln room, a glazing room and then a storage room with shelves full of funky homemade teapots, mugs, vases, plates and pitchers.

Each of GalacB次元官网网址檚 pieces is unique B次元官网网址� playful, and evidently inspired by the nature that encompasses her home.

Though many of her pieces are functional, she points out a decorative bronzed oval, which sheB次元官网网址檚 particularly proud of. She scours area beaches B次元官网网址� Cordova Bay, French Beach B次元官网网址� for kelp and driftwood to incorporate as handles and the like on her art.

B次元官网网址淚n todayB次元官网网址檚 mass-produced world, when people buy handmade work, that brings different qualities and some excitement into your everyday,B次元官网网址� Galac says. B次元官网网址淭he user can find the marks that the maker left behind.B次元官网网址�

The Potters Guild is 70 members strong, 35 of whom will have their works on display and for sale at Clay Connects, the June 16 show.

Galac says the camaraderie shared by organizations like the guild are crucial for artists as they look to branch out and improve upon their skills.

B次元官网网址淭he clay makes the bond. But being part of a group was really important for my development,B次元官网网址� she says. B次元官网网址淗aving other people whoB次元官网网址檝e had the same frustrations and failures through their art really helps to strengthen your resolve to stay and do more.B次元官网网址�

The Clay Connects show and sale happens June 16 at 1335 Thurlow Rd. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information on the South Vancouver Island Potters Guild visit victoriapotters.ca.