Baggage Building Art Centre

Located in the renovated and expanded historic freight shed at the waterfront, the Baggage Building Arts Centre (BBAC) is a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration that adds to the City's programming and events at Prince Arthur's Landing.

The BBAC is the creative and social heart of Prince Arthur's Landing. It is open to the public year-round, and entry is free of charge. It is an incubator for creative people and organizations, and also provides a space to showcase local talent.

The Arts Centre presents and supports:

performances, celebrations, festivals, public and community events;
the creation and production of a wide range of arts activities with a focus on the multi-disciplinary performing and visual arts;
learning, skills development, and participation with a special commitment to young people, as outlined in the Inspire Thunder Bay Culture Plan;
collaboration, exchange and dialogue between individuals, communities and organizations;
a sense of community, well-being and social engagement.

Rent the space

If you have an event, program or class you'd like to run, consider renting the Baggage Building Art Centre. Program space can be booked by individual artists and organizations alike.

For more information about space rentals, look at the BBAC Venue Rental Booking Guidelines or contact us at the information below.

Get involved

The Baggage Building is here for you! Find out how you can use the space, help with activities, programs, and events, sell your work, and connect with a creative community.

Propose a class or workshop

Studio space is available to rent to run your own class or workshop, or you can submit a proposal for a class or workshop you would like to run through the BBAC.

The BBAC hosts major family events throughout the year during:

These free family events are enjoyed by thousands each year, and we have a blast coming up with new and creative ideas to awe everyone. Get in touch if your group or organization has ideas or wants to get involved with these free activites.

Gift gallery memberships

The Gift Gallery is a showcase of local artists, potters, jewellers, authors, musicians and much more. It's a great location with lots of local and tourist traffic year-round. The Gift Gallery also hosts up to three Member Exhibitions during the year when we fill the entire BBAC with the members' artwork. With low membership rates and only a 20% commission on sales, this is a great spot to showcase your work.

For more information about becoming a member read the Gift Gallery Membership Terms and Conditions then contact us at the information below.

Calls to artists

Open Call to Fibre Artists - BBAC 4th Annual Fibre Arts Exhibition

The Baggage Building Arts Centre invites all Fibre Artists to submit pieces for our 4th Annual Fibre Arts Exhibition. This is an open call to Thunder Bay and regional artists to submit fibre art including weaving, felting, quilting, knitting, crochet, embroidery and so much more.

Poster for the 4th annual fibre show call to artists

Submission Deadline: Nov 30th, 2018

For art opportunities with the City, check out the call to artists page.

Pottery studio

The Pottery Studio at Baggage Building Arts Centre is an accessible, fully equipped, working studio for all skill levels and for those wishing to experience a richer sense and appreciation for pottery and clay art.

We offer high quality pottery classes, workshops, special events, demonstrations, and custom group activities inclusive to persons of all ages and abilities, new artists, intermediate and master potters, and special interest groups. We also offer an open studio program for potters who would like to use the studio to create work.

The Pottery Studio is open to the public. We offer classes for beginners and novices and Open Studio hours for novice and advanced-level potters.

Pottery Studio Goals & Purpose

To provide a pottery studio space that promotes public awareness about pottery and clay art
To provide a venue for quality learning and skill development of pottery and clay art
To provide a venue with standards of excellence for professional and clay artists to teach and instruct those interested in pottery and clay art
To provide an accessible pottery studio space that is welcoming to all ages, abilities, and skill levels
To inspire the general public, potters, and clay artists, through sharing of information and knowledge
To provide a venue and opportunity for cultural exchange and creative expression
To foster community spirit, cultural awareness, and civic pride
To encourage the goodwill and involvement of the wider community

Waterfront Potters - Open Studio

Fall hours: Tuesday – 10am-4pm and Wednesday evenings – 3-9pm

Fees: Fall 2018 Hours & Fees

Ages: adults 18 +

Prerequisite: Introduction to Pottery class or equivalent. Individuals must feel comfortable with the studio equipment and materials and be able to work in a self-directive atmosphere.

The Lowdown

Open studio is available to individuals who wish to work independently to produce pottery in a welcoming, self-directed atmosphere. Individuals will have the opportunity to use the studio space and equipment to produce pottery at their own pace, leisure, and level of self-discovery. Open studio is open to all individuals that have completed a minimum of “Introduction to Pottery” or equivalent, and who feel comfortable working with minimal assistance and supervision. Individuals must be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of pottery processes and knowledge of using the various equipment and materials in the studio.

A Pottery Studio Facilitator will be available to share information and provide basic assistance, however, this is not intended as actual instruction. All kiln firings are completed by the Pottery Studio Facilitator.

Individuals are required to meet with a Pottery Studio Facilitator in advance to discuss the studio space, available equipment and materials, qualification, and to complete an orientation and required “User Agreement” forms.

For the latest Open Studio news, happenings and updates, please find us on Facebook @WaterfrontPotters

Classes

Please see the Classes, Programs, and Studios section of the website for a list of pottery classes currently being offered.

Classes, Programs, and Studios

The Arts Centre presents a variety of free and registered activities. Whether you're young or young at heart, there is a program to help you explore your artistic potential and develop your skillset. Come play and learn in a supportive, creative environment

To register for a class please contact the Baggage Building Arts Centre.

Pottery

Tuesday Night Beginner’s Way to Clay

Instructor: Fritz Lehmberg – Early Snows Pottery

Date(s): September 18, 25, October 2, 9 OR October 23, 30, November 6, 13

Time: 6-9pm

Cost:$195 + HST

Ages: Adults 18+

Prerequisite: None

The Lowdown

So you want to play with mud? So join us and get your hands dirty. Clay is fun, versatile and has unlimited possibilities. This four week crash course gives you the full pottery experience! The instructor will introduce participants to the pottery wheel and various hand building techniques. There will be an emphasis on learning wheel throwing, in addition to coil, slab, and pinch methods of vessel forming. Students will focus on the production of simple pottery forms such as a bowl, mug, and small plate. The instructor will guide students through the various stages of the pottery process from start to finish including wedging, throwing, shaping, attaching, trimming, and simple glazing techniques. Our classes are small, so everyone has a chance for one on one learning. No prior pottery experience is required.

Spend 3 weeks creating pottery and one night glazing it all. We have a nice selection of glazes that are non-toxic, food safe, dishwasher and microwave safe. With so many glaze colours and possible combinations, how will you ever decide? We work pretty fast in this neck of the woods so you can expect to see your finished masterpieces in about two weeks following the glazing date.

What’s Included?

Our classes and workshops include everything! All tools & equipment, clay, glazes and materials, bisque and glaze firings. Students can expect to take home a minimum of 6-8 small to medium size pieces depending on your individual working style and skill level. Just bring your creativity!

Thursday Night Throwdown

Instructor: Fritz Lehmberg – Early Snows Pottery

Date(s): September 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25

Time:6-9pm

Cost: $250 + HST

Ages:Adults 18+

Prerequisite:One of our beginner’s classes is recommended

The Lowdown

Let go of your weekday stress and throw some mud around! This 6 week adult class, has a focus on creating pottery using the pottery wheel. The open structure of this class allows you to learn how to throw more complicated or adventurous pieces on the potters wheel, or perfect a skill you have already learned. Our classes are small, so everyone has a chance for one on one learning. Let’s put the pedal to the metal and throw some pots!

We do recommend that you take one of our beginner classes or equivilent.

Spend five weeks creating pottery on the wheel and one night glazing it all. We have a nice selection of glazes that are non-toxic, food safe, dishwasher and microwave safe. With so many glaze colours and possible combinations, how will you ever decide? We work pretty fast in this neck of the woods so you can expect to see your finished masterpieces in about two weeks following the glazing date.

What’s Included?

Weekend Beginner’s Boot Camp

Instructor: Tanis Webster – Pearl River Pottery

Date(s): November 17 & 18

Time: 10am-4pm

Cost: $195 + HST

Ages: Adults 18+

Prerequisite: None

The Lowdown

So you want to play with mud? So join us and get your hands dirty. Clay is fun, versatile and has unlimited possibilities. This two full day crash course gives you the full pottery experience! The instructor will introduce participants to the potter's wheel and various hand building techniques. There will be an emphasis on learning wheel throwing, in addition to coil, slab, and pinch methods of vessel forming. Students will focus on the production of simple pottery forms such as a bowl, mug, and small plate. The instructor will guide students through the various stages of the pottery process from start to finish including wedging, throwing, shaping, attaching, trimming, and simple glazing techniques. Our classes are small, so everyone has a chance for one on one learning. No prior pottery experience is required.

Spend 2 full days creating pottery. Participants will have the opportunity to experience glazing with some handmade ready bisque pieces. Pottery made by you during class will be bisqued and glazed on your behalf with your choice of provided glazes. We have a nice selection of glazes that are non-toxic, food safe, dishwasher and microwave safe. With so many glaze colours and possible combinations, how will you ever decide? We work pretty fast in this neck of the woods so you can expect to see your finished masterpieces in about three weeks following the glazing date.

What’s Included?

Youth Intermediate Fun with Clay

Instructor: Tanis Webster – Pearl River Pottery

Date(s): October 6, 13, 20, 27

Time: Saturdays, 11am-1pm

Cost:$145 + HST

Ages:Youth ages 10 & up

Prerequisite:Previous pottery experience is recommended

The Lowdown

Clay is fun, versatile and has unlimited possibilities. In this 4 week class, the instructor will support students to further explore the art of pottery and the various stages in a fun, interactive, and creative environment. Weeks one, two & three, students will have the opportunity to further develop existing pottery skills and will work to create hand built projects including slab, coil and pinch methods, as well as, spend time throwing on the pottery wheel. Week four, students will decorate their bisqued pottery pieces with underglazes and glazes. Our classes are small, so everyone has a chance for one on one learning. Previous pottery experience is recommended. Ages 10 & up.

We have a nice selection of glazes that are non-toxic, food safe, dishwasher and microwave safe. With so many glaze colours and possible combinations, how will you ever decide? We work pretty fast in this neck of the woods so you can expect to see your finished masterpieces in about three weeks following the glazing date.

What’s Included?

Our classes and workshops include everything! All tools & equipment, clay, glazes and materials, bisque and glaze firings. Students can expect to take home a minimum of 2-6 small to medium size pieces depending on their individual working style and skill level. Just bring your creativity!

To Register for pottery classes

Phone (807) 684-2063 or visit the Baggage Building Arts Centre in person. Please read the Pottery studio registration information and Class policies before registering for a class.

Printmaking

Stay tuned for a list of classes.

Drawing

Stay tuned for a list of classes.

Workshops

Viking Card Weaving Workshop

Weave a band using a pattern discovered on the Oseberg Viking Burial Ship

January 12, 2019 from 10am - 5pm

Ages 18+ | Phone 807-684-2063 to Register

$65 + HST | Class limited to 10 people

Bring a bagged lunch

Poster with image at the top and text describing the Viking Card Weaving Workshop at the bottom

Programming Partners

We also work with several programming partners who regularly run classes and programs out of the Centre. These groups are listed below. To stay up to date with their program offerings, visit each group's webpage or Facebook page.

Tango North

All the Daze Theatre

Roots and Branches Forest School

Workman Arts

Gift Gallery

The Art Centre's Gift Gallery features a selection of items made by local artists and artisans. Shopping here supports local artists and is a great way to get a uniquely Thunder Bay gift. Check in often because the selection changes regularly.

Some items you can expect to find in the gift gallery:

Jewelry: Earrings, necklaces, bracelets (Copper, silver, beaded and more)
Stained Glass
Handmade Soap and Lotions
Beeswax and Soy Wax Candles
Greeting Cards and Postcards
Local and Regional Books
Prints, Drawings, Paintings and Collages (Framed, unframed, matted)
Calendars and Bookmarks
Clothing, Purses, Slippers, Scarves
Textiles and Fabric Art
Ceramics and Pottery: Sculpture and Functional

If you're an artist who wishes to become a member, see the get involved section of this page.

Events

We have many community events and sales year round. See a list below of upcoming events. Save the dates and take part.

Pottery Guild Christmas Sale 2018 – Nov 24^th & 25^th

Waterfront Artist’s Christmas Sale 2018 – Dec 1^st

Christmas Bizarre Bazaar 2018 – Dec 8^th & 9^th

BBAC Fibre Arts Exhibition 2019 –Jan 15^th -Mar 24^th

Exhibitions

The Baggage Building Arts Centre (BBAC) features two exhibition spaces that are visited by thousands of people each year. The ground level and mezzanine of the Centre, can each be rented separately. Exhibitions in those spaces showcase local and regional artists, collectives and other artist groups, including Gift Gallery member artists. Entry to both spaces is free of charge.

Upcoming

Fall to Winter Members Exhibition. October 19 - January 26

Exhibition poster of member's exhibition at Baggage Building october 19 to January 26, with red fall maple leaf and snowflake on it.