Golden girls of ceramics set up shop in Raymond

By Stan Ashbee
Southern Alberta Newspapers
There may not be a Dorothy, Blanche, Sophia or Rose at Golden Girls Ceramics and Gifts in Raymond but owners Doreen Kabatoff and her business partner Sylvia Wyshynski are eager to showcase their unique and innovative new ceramic studio and shop to the community.
“It’s a traditional store. They come in and pick their piece, they sand it and I fire it. The kilns and everything are in the store. Then they can paint or do whatever they want,” Doreen explained, in regards to what customers can expect when visiting the new establishment, located in the Caldwell Banker Hancock Building on Main Street. The studio also pours and makes its own molds.
With about 35 years experience in ceramics, Doreen noted, she previously owned ceramic shops in Stony Plain up north and one in Stirling. She also added she was born in Raymond.
“Once it gets in your blood — there’s no way you can get out of it. I tried,” Doreen joked. And now, she’s back.
Golden Girls Ceramics officially opened Jan. 15 and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6-10 p.m. every day except Sundays and Mondays.
So far, the consensus in town has been positive with the opening of the new studio and shop.
“They’re starting to come in quite a bit now. At first it was slow because people don’t know what it’s about but now they’re starting to come,” Doreen said.
Doreen wants customers to know there are also finished products for sale in the shop plus earrings and a variety of other wares and wonders.
“We have soft ice cream, slush puppies and milk shakes. It’s really a mixture.”
And kids are surely welcome.
For more information or to inquire about pricing, individuals can call 403-360-4580.