About Us

Awards

Recipient of the United Nations 2010 International Women’s Day Awards in Art Education.

I was born and raised in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, where I began my pottery career 45 years ago. After an introduction to the craft through a local pottery guild, I knew my future was to be found in clay. For many years I worked and practiced on a home-made wheel built by my father while I struggled to find my identity as an artist. Today, I live in Bon Accord, Alberta with my husband Kim Hoar and run Pottery by Heather Studio and am actively involved in the community.

My work embodies a love of simple, classic forms that reflect my close association with the earth, the creatures that inhabit it and the forces that rule it. I balance production between a line of functional and gift ware and exclusive one – of – a – kind decorative works. Experimentation and personal challenge lead me to continually strive for new shapes and design; I do not want familiarity to become confused with passivity. Kim works behind the scenes to keep the studio running smoothly and directs his passions to his gardens and the small wild creatures that live in the yard.

Along the road to success and personal awareness I have maintained a deep appreciation for the artists and instructors who helped nurture my love of and talent for clay. I believe strongly in the principle of community and find it a personal joy to share my knowledge and experience.

Customer Comments

To leave a customer comment please go to the Contact Us page.

I just wanted to share with you that when I come through your doors I feel like an old friend, I enjoy the chats and stories we share as I poke around your delightful cozy studio.
You know: a mug just isn’t a mug when Heather has made it. For me it is an adventure to the countryside, memories from my past, wonderful conversation and something warm and beautiful to sip my tea from. And some people just think its clay!

I am looking forward to filling my cupboards with more of your beautiful creations and scenic drives for a visit. I encourage more city dwellers to take a drive to Bon Accord and check out your Studio. C. DeCicco - Edmonton, Alberta

I escorted a group of seniors to Pottery by Heather for a summer outing. We enjoyed the grounds very much. There was a perfect pot for a picnic lunch, shade for those who wanted it and sunshine for those who favoured that. Kim and Heather shared their knowledge of the diffent plants growing in the large yards. We then had a demonstration of how pottery is made. Everyone enjoyed themselves. Kim and Heather were most gracious hosts and I would recommend a trip to Pottery by Heather to anyone looking for an informative and entertaining outing.
M. Perka - Recreation Director

While living in northern Alberta, I had the wonderful pleasure and experience of visiting the Pottery by Heather studio and shop. Not living close by, Heather and her husband were always very welcoming and accommodating in opening up their shop on my travels through Bon Accord.

Heather is a very talented artist and her passion for her work shines through in each of her unique pieces she creates by hand. I have always had a fascination for all things Celtic and I am continuously in search of new Celtic designs which stand out – and Heather’s pottery does! I was very excited to find Heather’s beautiful work through the word of mouth from a friend. As my collection of Heather’s work continues to grow; so does my friends and family’s desire to also collect her artwork.

Now that I live in Nova Scotia and can no longer stop by the shop on my travels, Heather has made it incredibly easy to order, ship and receive my pieces. Heather is a pleasure to deal with whether in person, by email or on the phone, and is always prompt in getting back to me with any questions I have had.

I am a great admirer of Heather’s work and continue to build my Celtic Pottery by Heather collection and receive many compliments on it!J. Scott - Behaviour Management Specialist - Cape Breton Regional Hospital - Sydney, Nova Scotia

Thank you for sending us your brochure! I had no idea that we had a local potter making such beautiful and functional yarn bowls. Our group is always eager for a road trip, and we had a truly wonderful day at your shop. You made us feel so very welcome, and our visit was so much more than we expected. We went out specifically for the yarn bowls, and were delighted to wander home with so many more beautiful pieces of art. Thank you so much for your absolutely fascinating demonstration of throwing and walking us through the process of creating a piece of pottery. I learned so much, and it’s a true pleasure to watch someone so very competent and skilled demonstrating their art/craft. I felt such a strong sense of respect and kindred between us all as we shared our love of art and craft.Kim - Edmonton Handknitters