Don Hutchinson: From Form to Fantasy

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Don Hutchinson, "Demon Chaser," nd

ceramic, Photo by Ken Mayer

Opening Reception: January 21, 7:30−9:30pm

Artist’s Tour with Don Hutchinson: March 19, 2−3:30pm

Step into a world of ceramics where functional mugs, bowls, wine carafes, and platters meet fantastical birds and creatures. In From Form to Fantasy showing at the Surrey Art Gallery from January 21 to March 19, over thirty-five artworks by Surrey-based potter Don Hutchinson are on display. This survey exhibition reveals the incredible range of Hutchinson’s work from his beginnings as a production potter in the late 1960s through to his recent one-of-a-kind sculptures. All ages will be delighted by his mastery of clay, humour, and storytelling.

Imagination is central to Hutchinson’s work, particularly in his sculptures. Among the intriguing pieces you’ll see are a shaman transforming into a kayak and a boat transporting two birds—one black, one white, which represent day and night. Hutchinson has always liked mythology and says, “I invent creatures to explain phenomena.” Frogs, herons (his favourite bird), and owls are other animals you’ll see in the show—including an owl sculpture called The Professor that he calls a self-portrait.

About Don Hutchinson   

Don Hutchinson has been a potter for fifty years. He studied at the Vancouver School of Art before working in production in various studios, including his own in South Surrey and, most recently, one he shared with Bob Kingsmill on Granville Island. 

Unlike most potters, Hutchinson sources his materials himself. In 1980, he won a Canada Council grant to research raw minerals in British Columbia for glazes. This work led to a publication of a training manual called Processing Minerals for Ceramic Glazes: A Potters Journal that has been used by ceramic artists across Canada, England, South Africa, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

Hutchinson taught at Langara College for three decades where he influenced many emerging young artists. He continues to engage with other artists in our community, encouraging their own journeys into exploring ceramics. Hutchinson received a Surrey Civic Treasure award in 2014. He officially retired from pottery two years ago and is now taking up drawing from where he lives in White Rock.

Also on exhibit is Inspired! Surrey Ceramic Showcase (January 3−March 19). Don Hutchinson led a workshop for members of the Fraser Valley Potters Guild and Semiahmoo Potters at Kwantlen University ceramic studio last summer. This exhibit features works developed by the artists from their experiences under Hutchinson’s tutelage, demonstrating the technical skills they learned or how Hutchinson’s decorative approaches and themes inspired them. 

RELATED EVENTS

Admission to all exhibitions and events is free unless otherwise noted (donations gratefully accepted).

Launch of Exhibition

January 21 | 7:30−9:30pm

Don Hutchinson: From Form to Fantasy launches on January 21 along with Out of Sight: Eadweard Muybridge and Harold Edgerton and Scott Billings: A Risky Jump. The opening reception goes from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. 

inFlux

Friday, February 24 | 7−10pm

Discover the “art” in party with this multimedia night of performance, socializing, and artmaking. Celebrating some of the best of local talent, this event’s reputation is growing as Surrey’s social hub for checking out and creating art with friends.

Family Sunday

Sunday, March 12 | Noon−4pm

Drop in to create, explore, and enjoy art with friends and family! Engage in activities that respond to the exhibitions, including hands-on artmaking workshops in a range of mediums, an art explorer game in the Gallery, and an interactive performance in the Studio Theatre.

Artist’s Tour

March 19 | 2−3:30pm

Join Don Hutchinson for a free tour of his ceramics in From Form to Fantasy. Find out about the inspirations, anecdotes, and processes for his work that ranges from functional to playful, useful to fanciful.

Surrey Art Gallery gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance of the City of Surrey, Province of BC through BC Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, Vancouver Foundation, and Surrey Art Gallery Association.