Join the Board

Seattle, WA

About Pottery Northwest

Founded in 1966 by a group of artists based in Seattle, Pottery Northwest celebrates innovation and access to education in ceramics, with a mission of fostering an inclusive community around clay. We have grown into a nationally recognized ceramics studio through long-standing and vibrant programming. Altogether, we serve over 1,200 students a year, and artists from around the world come to Pottery Northwest in the spirit of artistic dialogue and as a formative step in their careers. 

Where we are today

Our 8,000 sq.ft. community studio features 9 electric kilns and 28 wheels, as well as areas for handbuilding and glazing, large staff offices, exhibition space, and semi-private studios for Artists-in-Residents. In 2022 we also approved our largest annual operating budget and, despite the impact of Covid-19, the organization is financially strong and debt-free. We have doubled our staff to six full-time members and are looking to grow in 2024.

About Board Service
at Pottery Northwest

Board members are passionate volunteers who are excited about championing Pottery Northwest's mission and strategic priorities. The organization embraces a shared-leadership practice, centering equity, gratitude, health & well-being, balance, and respect in all that we do. The Board works as a guide and support to our staff, trusting their expertise in decision-making while lending our perspectives and experiences in order to expand our impact. Here’s our current Board.

Who We’re Looking For

As we expand our board, we’re looking for people who:

  • Share a passion for our mission.

  • Have the time and energy to actively collaborate with staff and fellow board members in advancing Pottery Northwest’s strategic vision.

  • Are committed to equity and inclusivity.

  • Have an appreciation of and personal connection to arts and cultural services.

Backgrounds that are especially valuable (but not required) include:

  • Nonprofit leadership

  • Fundraising

  • Governance

  • Human resources

  • Finance

  • Career in Art

You do not need to have experience with ceramics — only an appreciation of the arts and a personal connection to arts and cultural services in general.

Pottery Northwest is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We strive to be a place where DEIA builds the foundation for people. Women, non-gender-binary/trans individuals, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and people with disabilities are  STRONGLY encouraged to apply!  Please join us as we shift the narrative and grow our organization into a true representation of inclusion.

What is it like to be a board member?

Board members are passionate and engaged volunteers who are excited to make a lasting contribution to our vibrant clay community. We guide and support our staff, trusting their expertise in decision-making while lending our perspectives and experiences to expand our impact. Our board is committed to equity and inclusivity.

Board members commit to:

  • Serve a 3-year term.

  • Share responsibility for the well-being and sustainability of Pottery Northwest.

  • Attend at least 80% of monthly board meetings.

  • Serve on at least 1 committee.

  • Attend at least 6 events annually.

  • Make a meaningful annual contribution (financial and/or volunteer hours).

  • Fundraise on behalf of the organization (choosing at least 4 actions from a menu of options).

  • Act as an advocate for the organization.

Benefits

  • Make a real difference for the students and artists in our community.

  • Access leadership development opportunities in governance, budgeting, community organizing, event planning, and more.

  • Deepen your knowledge of ceramics and the Seattle arts community.

  • Build relationships with a broad spectrum of individuals connected to Pottery Northwest.

Apply

The Deadline is October 15.

Please submit a brief letter of interest and a short bio or resume to Ritika Kanade, Board President (ritika@potterynorthwest.org)

In your letter, please share:

  • Your motivation: Why you want to join Pottery Northwest’s Board at this point in your life or career.

  • Your alignment: How your background and skills connect to our needs (especially in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, governance, human resources, finance, or the arts).

  • Your equity lens: How your lived and professional experiences shape your understanding of equity, inclusion, and diversity, particularly in relation to community and the arts.

  • Your capacity: How you envision contributing as a board member (time, committees, fundraising, events, advocacy).

Please let us know if you have any questions! We look forward to hearing from you!

Our Process

Priority deadline & first review is October 15th 2025.
Screenings will begin the month of November.