Donna Yost

1953-2022

I came to pottery and clay in an indirect way. My background is in the medical field. Thirty years ago I walked into a local pottery studio and asked if she gave lessons. I was hooked the first lesson. Clay became my passion. Each time a door would close a new door opened to a new teacher and new methods in clay. Working in clay gives me immediate gratification. What ever I am throwing, it looks like something when I take it off the wheel. Many things can happen before a piece is finished, but I still get the gratification. The type of work I normally do is functional. I love seeing pottery being used in every day life. The coffee cup. The cereal bowl. The pie plate. Honor your pottery pieces, use them, feel the love that went into them each time you use them.

POWR has lost a very special member this day, Sept. 18, 2022. Donna will be sorely missed. This tribute to Donna was given on the evening of Sept. 16, 2022 at the opening of our exhibit, "Light My Fire".

A Tribute to Donna

The potters of POWR, would to dedicate this exhibit to someone who is near and dear to us. Donna Yost, an inauguaral member since POWR’s inception on April 21, 2010, has been a loyal and integral part of our organization. She is a generous friend who in time of need will offer up her time, her materials, her tools and her energy to help fellow potters
who have run out of time, out of clay or just out of inspiration.

Donna is a dedicated functional potter: cups and bowls and plates, you get the idea. You’ll see that in her work here tonight. Donna’s obsession has been to create work for anyone and everyone to own and use on a daily basis. In Donna’s own words, “I love seeing pottery used in every day life. The coffee cup. The cereal bowl. The pie plate. Honor your pottery pieces, use them. Feel the love that went into them each time you use them”.

At times, our POWR group has tried to push Donna out of her comfort zone. For instance, for one show in years past, each member was tasked with creating a totem. This was NOT an assignment Donna relished, but true to form, she tackled the assignment with masterful results. As totems from our members soared to the ceiling in height and--well height--Donna, under mild protest, produced the most charming totem that left all of our jaws dropping, at a mere 18” tall.

Donna has been an avid supporter of our native clay explorations. She has been there for every dig and has been relentless in pursuing the all of the processing and technical aspects of this project. You will find her work showcased here within our native clay project display.

In the last five years, Donna has been battling cancer. In spite of her struggles, she has continued to attend every POWR meeting, participate in every show, and has powered through without complaint. Donna cannot be with us tonight, as her health has brought her to a crossroads.

The last five years have not stopped Donna. Despite her diagnoses, you could find her at Beaver Creek on skis, riding the Squaw/Baldwin loop on her bike, or hiking to the falls.

We are missing a vital member here tonight, but we know she is here in spirit. We’d like to honor Donna with a toast to celebrate her life and the enrichments she has brought to ours. Salut!