Category: Remarkable Stories

Robin DuPont: Pushing the Boundaries of Contemporary Ceramics 

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Robin DuPont is a frontrunner in contemporary ceramics in North America. With over two decades of experience, he has built a reputation for his innovative atmospherically fired ceramics that push the boundaries of form and surface. A recipient of the 2024 Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design, Robin blends craftsmanship with experimentation, embracing the unpredictable beauty of fire to create work that is as functional as it is mesmerizing. 

A Journey Shaped by Clay 

Robin’s artistic path has taken him across Canada and beyond. He’s studied, taught, and fine-tuned his craft at Alberta College of Art + Design, the Australian National University, and Utah State University. Along the way, he’s absorbed influences and techniques that make his work stand out. No matter where he’s been, his passion for ceramics has always been rooted in curiosity and an appreciation for the unexpected. 

Atmospheric Firing 

If you know Robin, you know he thrives on atmospheric firing. Whether it’s wood, soda, or salt firing, each method leaves its mark—literally. Fire, ash, and vapours interact with clay in ways no artist can completely control, making every piece a unique creation. That’s the magic of Robin’s work—no two pieces are ever the same. His pots, mugs, and vessels capture the raw, organic beauty of the process, and that’s what makes them so special. As Robin himself says, “There’s an authenticity in the work that comes from the process—it’s a collaboration between me, the materials, and the fire.” 

Beyond the Studio 

In addition to his artwork and extensive research in ceramics, Robin is a dedicated educator and mentor, teaching at numerous institutions including Emily Carr University of Art + Design and the Kootenay School of the Arts, shaping the next generation of ceramicists. His commitment to education and community engagement was further recognized when he was named Nelson’s cultural ambassador. More recently, he brought his knowledge and passion for pottery to a wider audience as the pottery expert in CBC’s Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown. 

Upon receiving the Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design last fall, Robin acknowledged the significance of recognition in the arts, stating, “The value of this award is not so much a personal thing although I’m so grateful and so honoured…but it’s more important for society and for the public to realize that we value culture, that we value people doing unconventional things.”  

The 2026 Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design program is open for nominations at bcachievement.com – nominate and support a remarkable artist in your community. 

BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.

Celebrating Excellence: The Impact of BC Achievement Award Recipients

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British Columbia is home to extraordinary individuals whose dedication, innovation, and leadership shape our communities and inspire future generations. At BC Achievement, our mission is to honour those who make a lasting impact, whether through business, Indigenous art, community service, or reconciliation initiatives. These remarkable individuals and organizations are the heartbeat of our province, and their stories deserve to be shared and celebrated. 

Recognizing the Changemakers 

Each year, BC Achievement Foundation recognizes exceptional people who go above and beyond to strengthen the cultural and social fabric of our province. From Indigenous artists preserving their heritage through breathtaking works to entrepreneurs driving sustainable economic growth, our awardees exemplify the power of passion and perseverance. 

Take, for instance, the inspiring work of past award recipients like carver and cultural leader Dempsey Bob, whose contributions to Northwest Coast art have elevated Indigenous artistry on the global stage. Or the many community leaders who, through grassroots efforts, have uplifted marginalized voices and fostered inclusivity in their regions. Their commitment reminds us that true leadership is measured by impact, not titles. 

Why Recognition Matters 

Acknowledging and celebrating excellence is more than just an act of appreciation; it fuels progress. When we shine a light on those making a difference, we empower others to follow in their footsteps. Recognition provides encouragement, strengthens networks, and fosters collaboration. More importantly, it ensures that future generations have role models who embody the values of resilience, creativity, and service. 

Get Involved 

Do you know someone making a difference in British Columbia? Nominations for BC Achievement Awards open annually, and we encourage you to put forward individuals or organizations that exemplify excellence. Nominations are now open for the 2026 programs, so don’t miss the opportunity to recognize those who inspire and uplift our communities. By participating in this process, you play a crucial role in ensuring that those who contribute meaningfully to our society receive the recognition they deserve. 

Follow BC Achievement on social media and stay connected as we continue to spotlight the incredible achievements happening throughout the province. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant British Columbia—one story at a time. 

BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.

Inspired stories: Artist Michelle Loughery, 2005 Community Award alumna  

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Photo: 2005 Community Award alumna, Michelle Loughery (photo credit: Chris Hsiung)

2024 marks the 21st anniversary of the BC Achievement Foundation and the Community Award program. 

What does that mean? It’s a testament to the best of BC – the program has told the inspired stories of over 680 British Columbians who have carved a path forward through their community achievement for others to emulate and in doing so, built stronger and more engaged communities. 

One such awardee is 2005 alumna, artist Michelle Loughery who designed and painted over twenty-five historical murals in downtown Vernon, a project which was an outstanding success as it celebrated the area’s heritage and culture and continues to be a major tourism draw. Michelle’s talent is unquestionable, but it was her creation of this art on the street that was so significant in her community. It mobilized citizens to work together with a sense of pride. Most importantly, Michelle involved 75 youth at risk in that project.  

Michelle is more than an artist, she’s a mentor to the community’s youth and a public relations ambassador for Vernon. She incorporates the strength of community to the art process bringing people together to create iconic images, telling stories through murals.  

Since receiving the Community Award, Michelle has continued to receive accolades for her iconic community art projects. Over her 30-plus-year career, Michelle has created numerous award-winning mural projects, and raised millions for communities through her innovative Wayfinder art project. 

Michelle created the Wayfinder Art Model of building infrastructure placemaking with public art and youth employment and training programming. This model has been emulated across the globe and has been cited as an innovation for rural communities that all communities should emulate. 

Michelle recently recorded a podcast episode about what has inspired her creativity. The following is taken from AR:T ROUTE Radio podcast – The Muralist Chapter One E042. 

“My passion and love for murals has deep roots. I come from a very, very creative immigrant family from all different parts of the world and it’s through those connections that I have been honoured with the dream life of being a muralist.” 

“My journey starts with a little girl with braids and knobby knees…in a little town, a coal mining town, so I truly am the coal miner’s daughter. I watched my parents live, struggle, love, laugh, and teach their children to use their hands, and to use their hands to build community.” 

As someone who identifies as neuro-divergent, Michelle recognizes that “Perhaps there were so many neurodivergent people that just felt the system wasn’t for them or they felt shame, and it didn’t work for them. The system works for many people – many people excel at school, but many people don’t. I was lucky enough to find a way to make a living through extraordinary life lessons and careers and opportunities.” 

“My projects were about bringing young people together and old people and exchanging skills. I may call it Wayfinder art – which is what it is – it’s finding your way through art. It was the energy and knowledge of those young people and the old people coming together in this orchestration of magic. I keep using the term magic because I think that’s what the world has lost in these last years. The magic has been dimmed; our imagination has been dimmed; our colouring box has all become these gray crayons but we are this massive 64 pack Crayola colouring box! All we have do is open the box.” 

“So, I’m going to start with the orange crayon. I painted my first picture with an orange crayon and then I continued on my bedroom walls, and continued on community walls, and I have been taking it to the wall for over 35 years, well over 60 years now, because I have been colouring on the walls since I was a child.” 

Nominations for the 2025 Community Award program are welcome throughout the year at bcachievement.com. 

BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.

IBA profile: Marcia Turner, CEO of Daxgedim Haanak Nation Building 

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Photo: 2023 Indigenous Business Awardee, Daxgedim Haanak’ Nation Building

“My vision is that we are free to be Indigenous.” 

Gitxsan entrepreneur Marcia Turner, 2023 Indigenous Business Award (IBA) recipient, is a leader focused on advocating for self-determination and self-government among Indigenous peoples across British Columbia and beyond. As CEO and founder of Daxgedim Haanak’ Nation Building her business provides Indigenous Governance, Community Development and Engagement. Marcia envisions a decolonized future where Indigenous peoples can freely embrace their culture and languages.  

With a mission that revolves around transformation and systems change at the governance and leadership levels, Marcia works alongside Indigenous communities to amplify their voices. In her own words, Maria relays that “a lot of my work is really centred around systems change and governance and leadership level looking at ways in which we can amplify the voices of Indigenous people as well as bringing equity to Indigenous knowledge systems because there’s tremendous change that needs to be done.” 

Her associates speak highly of the value she brings to her work. “Marcia has a warmth about her and a way of doing things that are aligned with Indigenous cultures ways of being and doing”.
Danielle Mitchell, Associate. 

Marcia recently shared the importance of receiving the 2023 IBA Business of the Year award: 

It was a warm July day when my cellphone was ringing and it was a phone number that I didn’t recognize. I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I wanted to answer the phone call because it was my last day of work and I was taking a much needed break for the month of August. At the other end of the phone was Angela Marston from the BC Achievement Foundation, I’d like to set up a Zoom with you, she said. I thought it was going to be an interview. To my surprise, it was good news and I had won an Indigenous Business Award for small enterprise.  

At the beginning of 2023, I had set my intention to take my business to the next level. At the time, I didn’t really know what it would mean. Receiving the IBA award transformed my thinking about how I do my work and has planted the seed that I have what it takes to grow my business. Importantly, the IBA has given me exposure and it put me on the radar to be noticed – it’s raised my profile, and I have so much deep gratitude for this. But being noticed is only part of being a successful business.  

The IBA banquet opened my eyes to a whole world of opportunities, it was inspirational to see all the other recipients, hear their stories, witness our celebration and network with like-minded people in the entrepreneurial business world. The IBA inspired me to be intentional about taking my business to the next level, so afterwards, I hosted a strategic planning retreat in my home with my Associates where we dared to dream big, shared our stories, and created a vision for the future of our work and for future generations.  

As a result, I’ve shifted away from work that I was doing, which was good work but I wanted to do more. I have now shifted towards a focus on systems change to advance the rights of Indigenous peoples. I’m honoured to be working with clients and partners who are trusting me and my team to support their work to advance reconciliation, decolonize, and uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples. IBA gave me the confidence to believe that I have an idea worth sharing and I’m now invited to speak on May 3rd at the TEDx at Royal Roads University where I will be talking about a decolonial framework I developed, a framework that is designed to cultivate relationships and create meaningful and lasting change for Indigenous Peoples. I’m excited now, to continue on this journey of growth. 

With a TEDx talk at Royal Roads University soon under her belt, the future looks promising for Marcia and Daxgedim Haanak Nation Building. 

Be part of it and nominate a business for the 2024 Indigenous Business Award, and submit a nomination online before May 31 at 5:00 pm. Visit this link for the IBA Nomination form.

BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.