In 2004 Muiriel organized a group of artists to open “Artists On Elgin” under the Incorporated name “The Northern Artist Gallery” which became an important part of Sudbury’s downtown core. Muiriel chaired this organization for 15 years. Before coming to Canada in 1965 with her family, she attended Teachers College in Aberdeen Scotland, was a part time student at the Art School of Glasgow and taught Elementary schools in Aberdeen and Glasgow. In Canada she attended Cambrian College, Department of Fine Arts from 1977 – 81 and began working in her own pottery studio in 1981.
Muiriel was a founding member of The Sudbury Basin Potters and has displayed her pottery with them as well as being part of a team of crafts people demonstrating work with clay at Ontario Place Toronto and Science North in Sudbury. Muiriel was a trustee with the Sudbury Board of Education and The Rainbow District School Board for 22 years serving as Chair for 3 years. She was also an active member with the Laurentian University Museum and Arts Centre. In 1997 when it was incorporated as The Art Gallery of Sudbury, Muiriel served a 3 year term on the Board, chairing it for 1 year. In 2014 Muiriel was the recipient of the “Community Builders Award” in the Arts and in 2015 was awarded the “Honorary Fellowship” to Thorneloe University. Currently, Muiriel continues to work in her studio and is serving on the new Board of The Northern Artist Gallery.
