Gerda Krause
Gerda Krause was born and raised in Germany. In 1948 she completed a 3 year apprenticeship with master potter Heribert Kiechle. As a journeyman potter she worked in Diessen and in her place of birth, Duesseldorf. While still raising a family of seven children, she introduced specialty clay workshops to children and adults with special needs. She worked as an art therapist, and taught many continuing education clay workshops in Germany.
In 1977 Gerda moved to Edmonton, Alberta and soon after became involved in the Alberta pottery and art community, participating in numerous local and regional art exhibitions. She opened her own studio in 1980 and continued teaching workshops and specialty classes for the Edmonton Potter's Guild. She further pursued her own education, studying decorating techniques and Chinese historical pottery at Red Deer College and the University of Alberta.
In April 1999 Gerda moved to Maple Ridge where she maintains her pottery studio, experimenting with many firing and decorating techniques.