Jen Sonnenberg from Stonewall, Manitoba, has been crowned the winner of the first season of “The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down.” Sonnenberg, a substitute teacher and hockey coach, beat out fellow finalists Kiefer Floreal from Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Elsa Valinas from Fredericton, New Brunswick, to claim the top spot.
The competition reality show, which aired on CBC, featured ten amateur potters from across Canada showcasing their skills and creativity through a series of challenges. Each episode consisted of two creative challenges: the Main Make, where potters created signature pieces, and the Throw Down or Spot Test, which tested their speed and technical skills.
Sonnenberg, a 32-year-old with 15 years of experience as a potter, impressed the judges with her energetic, earthy, and functional style. She aims to create a sustainable pottery practice, teach pottery classes, and sell her pieces.
The finale, which aired on April 5, 2024, tasked the final three potters with creating a tea set. Sonnenberg’s victory was announced by guest judge Seth Rogen, who also served as an executive producer on the series.
“The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down” is a Canadian adaptation of the popular British show “The Great Pottery Throw Down.” The Canadian version was filmed on Granville Island in Vancouver, British Columbia, and hosted by award-winning actress Jennifer Robertson, known for her roles in Schitt’s Creek and Ginny and Georgia. The expert judges were Brendan Tang, a ceramics instructor, and Natalie Waddell, a renowned ceramicist and educator.
The show highlighted the remarkable creativity and passion of Canada’s amateur potters, providing a platform for self-expression and artistic discovery.
