President's Message
Greetings NDPCS members: — June 2025
As I reflect on the 2025 Annual Convention and Meeting held June 13–15 at the Holiday Inn in Fargo, I’m filled with gratitude and admiration for the community that makes the North Dakota Pottery Collector’s Society so special. To everyone who participated in this year’s convention activities—thank you for making it a memorable and meaningful gathering. A warm and enthusiastic welcome to all our new members who joined us this year—it was a pleasure to have you with us!
Our sincere appreciation goes to our outstanding Convention Co-Chairs, Linda Fiedler and Tara Holt, whose attention to detail and tireless efforts ensured a seamless and enjoyable event for all. A heartfelt thank you as well to Auction Co-Chairs Brad Bird and Sharon Smith, and to Linda Bakken, who has devoted over two decades to preparing our annual auction catalog—a contribution that reflects unwavering dedication and care.
To the members of the NDPCS Executive Council and Board of Directors, I offer my deepest thanks. Without your service and volunteer spirit, this organization simply could not thrive. Your leadership sustains the heartbeat of our society.
We were especially privileged to enjoy several unforgettable moments during the convention. Sarah Heitkamp, curator of the UND collection, presented a breathtaking glimpse into the legacy of Margaret Cable, her students, and the instructors of a bygone era. The artistry and craftsmanship on display left many of us speechless.
Experiencing the powerful work of Paul Barr, along with the honor of having his son, Bob, and his daughter present, brought another layer of richness to our gathering. And the compelling presentation by Todd Hanson on the history of the buffalo through a Native American lens offered wisdom, cultural insight, and a lasting impression we will not soon forget.
Let’s celebrate the past while building the future. I look forward to welcoming all of you to our 37th Annual Convention in June 2026. Together, we can ensure the legacy of North Dakota pottery continues to be preserved and appreciated for generations to come.
With appreciation and respect,
Ann Dietchman—President, North Dakota Pottery Collector’s Society
36th Annual NDPCS Convention
FARGO, ND
First, I’m so happy with how many we had register for this year’s convention! It was so good to see you all! I think that it’s just so much fun when we can reconnect each year!
Friday night’s social was our kick-off. Todd Hanson, as always, did amazing presenting “100 Ways to Use the Buffalo”! There was so much interesting information and what a display!! Todd is known for his collections and he did not disappoint! Thank you, Todd!
Saturday morning, we loaded the bus and headed north to Grand Forks. Our destination was the Memorial Union at the UND campus. Sara Heitkamp curated a display at the UND gallery. It included Paul Barr paintings, and several pottery pieces, including Margaret Cable’s products vase from 1923. It was so special for all of us who participated. A luncheon was served before we departed on the bus, heading back to Fargo for the annual auction.
Saturday evening’s banquet included our first “Collectors’ Chat.” The panel members were Pat Grantier, Bonnie Nelson, Karen Midgarden, Jeremy Dietchman. Tess Erickson Cain was our moderator. We learned more about these individuals and how they started their collections and continue to collect.
We also had a presentation about “What To Do With Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate”, presented by Linda Fiedler and Linda Otterson. They provided an introduction and video from the University of Minnesota Extension office, along with presenting the workbook for each family. This is a start for each of us to think about what is next for our collections – where our collections will or should go.
As always, room sales concluded each nights’ activities.
Sunday morning we held our annual meeting. We established next year’s convention, which will be held June 12 – 14, 2026, in Fargo. Planning has already begun.
Thanks again to all who attended.
Special thanks to those who helped make it successful! We appreciate you so much!
Convention Co-chairs,Linda Fiedler & Tara Holt
2025 NDPCS Convention Highlights
FARGO, ND
Submitted by Tess Erickson Cain
The 36th Annual NDPCS Convention was held in Fargo, ND, on June 13th – 15th.Left: Tara Holt, Don Goerger, & Rose Goerger welcome convention-goers on Friday afternoon. Commemoratives, featuring a bison, were passed out.
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After a buffet meal, NDPCS president Ann Dietchman [above right] welcomed everyone to the convention on Friday evening and was followed by featured speaker, Todd Hanson.
Todd [above left] is a retired teacher but spreading knowledge about his passions keeps him busy. His presentation, “One Hundred Uses of a Buffalo,” surprised and awed. Thank you, Todd!
NDPCS members hopped on a bus Saturday morning and ventured to Grand Forks, ND, to visit UND and a brand-new exhibit “North Dakota Clay” located in the student union.
The exhibition includes historical pieces curated from the UND Pottery Collection, accompanied by a selection of paintings by Paul E. Barr. It was specially curated to align with the 36th Annual Convention of the North Dakota Pottery Collectors Society and the approaching 100th Anniversary of the North Dakota Products Vase.
Upper Right: Seeing the Margaret Cable Product Vase was reported to bring some members “chills” – what a special day!Middle Right: Sarah Heitkamp, Bob Barr, & Don Miller
The exhibition includes historical pieces curated from the UND Pottery Collection, accompanied by a selection of paintings by Paul E. Barr. It was specially curated to align with the 36th Annual Convention of the North Dakota Pottery Collectors Society and the approaching 100th Anniversary of the North Dakota Products Vase.
Upper Right: Seeing the Margaret Cable Product Vase was reported to bring some members “chills” – what a special day!Middle Right: Sarah Heitkamp, Bob Barr, & Don Miller
The Saturday evening banquet highlighted a panel discussion with four active NDPCS members and a presentation on planning for the future of personal collections.
Awards were given to the following members for their volunteer service [L to R]:Bonnie Nelson – NDPCS SecretaryTara Holt – 2025 NDPCS Convention Co-ChairLinda Fiedler – 2025 NDPCS Convention Co-ChairMike Kaul – NDPCS PresidentDeanna Reynolds – Newsletter Editor [!15 years!]Rose [& Don] Goerger – 2025 Commemorative Chair
Awards were given to the following members for their volunteer service [L to R]:Bonnie Nelson – NDPCS SecretaryTara Holt – 2025 NDPCS Convention Co-ChairLinda Fiedler – 2025 NDPCS Convention Co-ChairMike Kaul – NDPCS PresidentDeanna Reynolds – Newsletter Editor [!15 years!]Rose [& Don] Goerger – 2025 Commemorative Chair
NDPCS Annual Meeting
Sunday June 15, 2025Holiday InnFargo, North Dakota
The meeting was called to order by President Dietchman at 9:00 AM.
Secretary’s Report:Minutes of the previous meeting published in the newsletter prior to 2025 annual meeting. David Woods made the motion to approve. Rick Stubson seconded. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report:David Woods presented his report. For 2024: Income of $15,166. Expenses of $14,315. Profit $4,815. Rose Ann Goerger moved to approve the report. Bonnie Nelson seconded. Motion carried. Audit to be presented with budget.
President’s Report:President Dietchman reported the organization is in compliance with the 501(C)3 regulations. NDPCS also meets the North Dakota Department of State’s regulations.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:Membership:Linda Fiedler reported 117 members, 18 honorary members, 8 honorary members still pay dues. Includes a member in Canada and Australia.
Commemoratives:Rose Goerger reported 71 commemoratives were produced, 43 sold. profit of $996. David Woods commented sales have done well to offset expenses. Don and Rose Ann Goerger announced their resignations. George Myrhe will be the new chair.
Road Show:Russ Carlson will be the chair, his first show will be Pioneer Village in Burlington.
Website:Cameron Cain reported that the website is updated three times annually. Newsletters are on web site. Tess Erickson Cain says NDPCS website is informational, not for sales. Jeremy Dietchman stated Facebook page members do not have to be NDPCS members, but it is encouraged.
Audit:David Woods reported that Wanda Jenson Shepherd, Dickey County Auditor, will audit the books. She will audit the past two years and continue annual audits in the future.2025 Budget Proposal by David Woods: (expenses are not included.)Checking $19,633.89 - Certificate of Deposit $16,167.92 – Total $35,801.81.
Endowment Fund:Jeremy Dietchman requested a $1,000 endowment be made to University of North Dakota (Sara Heitkamp) to support their care, preservation, and exhibition of UND pottery. Motion in favor of this endowment was made by Bill Bakken and seconded by Sandy Short. Motion carried.
Newsletter:Editor Deanna Reynolds announced that she is resigning, Linda Otterson will be her replacement. Discussion regarding bulk mailing vs digital was brought up by David Woods. Newsletters are posted on the website.
2025 Convention Report:Linda Fiedler and Tara Holt reported the convention, along with the trip to UND, was a success. Looking for convention chair as Linda Fiedler and Tara Holt are resigning.
OLD BUSINESS:Based on printing and mailing costs, discussion held on e-edition with printed copy mailed to those without internet access (estimated to be 6 individuals). Jeremy Dietchman made a motion and David Woods seconded to convert from bulk mail to e-edition of newsletter starting with January 2026 edition. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:Election of Officers• Vice-President: Nomination of Jeremy Dietchman, no other nominations heard. Motion carried to pass unanimous ballot by David Woods.• Secretary: Nomination of Karen Midgarden, no other nominations heard. Motion carried to pass unanimous ballot by David Woods.• Board members: Sue Stubson, Tara Holt, and Tess Erickson Cain, no other nominations heard. Motion carried to pass unanimous ballot by Rick Stubson and Jeremy Dietchman.US Bank is the bank NDPCS will use.
The next NDPCS Convention will be held June 12-14, 2026, at Fargo Holiday Inn.Motion to adjourn was made by David Woods, seconded by R. Stubson. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary Karen Midgarden
2025 NDPCS Convention - WOW!
By Russ Carlson
The three days of the convention were amazing! Catching up with other members on their past year, the welcoming nature of attendees, and the knowledge shared is beyond words! There were very memorable experiences, some emotional moments, and lots of educational fun.
I experienced spine tingling moments at the University of North Dakota exhibit that was arranged for the attendees of the 2025 NDPCS convention. It was most amazing to have the family (son and granddaughter) of one of the exhibit’s featured artists at the exhibit. Also present was another influential North Dakota artist. To have the opportunity to interact with these individuals added an emotional component to the exhibit that one usually does not experience at exhibits.
The convention activities were most engaging, educational, and relevant. The forward thinking of the convention chairs adds credence to a very poignant presentation regarding what happens to collections after the owner’s passing. The impact on family can be detrimental. Planning for transition of a collection is vital. This presentation really provided great food for thought.
And of course, you cannot leave out the room sales, public auctions, silent auction, and the dinner auction. Amazing pieces are available to procure. The friendly competition among participants is engaging! Sharing of history and knowledge flows freely to those interested.
This is the third convention that I have attended. I am simply amazed how each convention is diverse in topics, well executed and better each convention. If you are reading this post and have considered membership or not, I truly encourage you to become a member of the North Dakota Pottery Collectors Society. Their mission and vision are indispensable to anyone who has a love for North Dakota heritage.
A heartfelt thank you to those individuals who were/are involved in the convention. Simply amazing!
2025 NDPCS Auction
By Linda Bakken
News & Updates
Clean Bill of Financial Health for NDPCS
We are pleased to report that a recent accounting audit of the North Dakota Pottery Collectors' Society found no inconsistencies within our financial records. Although this audit was originally scheduled to be presented at our June annual meeting, delays occurred as we searched for an affordable auditor. The audit has since been completed, and a formal letter of completion will be added to our records. This confirmation reflects our continued commitment to responsible financial stewardship and transparency.
Virtual Newsletter
We are going “paperless” - January 2026As discussed at 2025 Annual Meeting, the North Dakota Pottery Collectors Society’s newsletter will be going to electronic publication format. This positive change will ensure:• everyone will be informed in the quickest possible way• additional color options and photos, and• cost reductions.Please make sure we have your updated email address. Contact Linda Otterson with updates or new email addresses. Linda.K.Otterson@gmail.comWhile email will be the main distribution method, mailing option will still be available to those without internet / computer access.
