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Our People

Richard Thomas

Richard Thomas

CEO

Richard was appointed inaugural Director of Canberra Potters in April 2014. His role is to provide strategic planning and creative leadership for Canberra Potters and Watson Arts Centre and manage change through the review and development of programs, business operations, administrative processes, facility management and governance. Richard has spent all of his professional life engaged in the delivery of creative arts services initially as a graphic designer and later as a manger of a multidisciplinary national visual communication consultancy. His passion for visual arts and the ability to deliver creative management and leadership skills and outcomes enable the continued success and growth of Canberra Potters.

Katrina Leske

Katrina Leske

Gallery Manager

Katrina is the Canberra Potters Gallery & Events Manager and responsible for running the gallery program and maintaining our high level of visitor engagement with Canberra Potters and Watson Arts Centre. Our Gallery Program, planned twelve months in advance, covers a full calendar year of exhibitions and activities with a primary focus on ceramic arts. As a community gallery access is available to various community organisations and local emerging artists within our gallery program. We are always on the lookout for new and engaging gallery and event opportunities and we welcome your enquiries.

Sue Cant

Sue Cant

Education Program Manager

Working within a close-knit team environment, Sue manages the general running of the teaching program liaising with our education area staff of approximately 15 casual teachers. Her duties facilitate the continued success of our education program including children’s and adult classes, master classes, summer and winter schools. Additionally, working with the Director and centre managers she identifies, plans and implements new course offerings. As a qualified teacher she is able to provide sound advice in facilitating the delivery of our educational program. She has been instrumental in the accreditation of Canberra Potters by the Teacher Quality Institute to provide professional development courses for teachers. A keen potter in her own right Sue is able to answer any enquiries regarding courses, material costs and student needs that may arise during the term. In addition, Sue has been instrumental in the development and monitoring of our Social Media presence—a growing function of our organisation.

Abbey Jamieson

Abbey Jamieson

Shop Manager & Class Administrator

Abbey assists the Education Program Manager with enrolment and student orientation services, and also manages the Canberra Potters Shop. As a practicing ceramic artist, Abbey is well equipped to answer any queries regarding all aspects of ceramics. Abbey’s passion for retail and her creative background ensures that the Canberra Potters Shop offers visitors a unique shopping experience.

Dan Venables

Dan Venables

Workshop Manager

Our Workshop Manager Dan is responsible for the presentation and operation of our three workshops and allied areas, as well as maintaining the workshop tools, machinery, fixtures and fittings. In liaison with the Technical Manager and other staff he ensures the workshops are well stocked with all materials necessary for the successful delivery of the programs offered by Canberra Potters. Dan studied glass and ceramics at the ANU School of Art and Design and graduated with honours in 2017. He also runs his own blacksmithing, toolmaking and fabrication business.

Melissa Gabelle

Melissa Gabelle

Technical Manager

Melissa is responsible for the smooth and safe operation of the Canberra Potters’ key infrastructure. Using her knowledge of pottery and experience of ceramic arts practice Melissa packs and maintains our kilns, as well as our wheels and associated technical equipment to ensure the timely delivery of technical services offered to our members, students and resident artists.

Melissa is no stranger to the pottery workshop having run her own studio on the South Coast of NSW for two decades including a stint as TA with Nowra TAFE.

Paul Dumetz

Paul Dumetz

Workshop Assistant

Paul supports the Workshop Manager and Technical Manager in their duties. His expert knowledge of workshop practices, current ceramic arts trends and technologies ensure the safe and efficient running of our workshop areas. Paul has had a long association with Canberra Potters and regularly assists with our term and holiday teaching programs. He is a practicing ceramic artist and member of our the Canberra Potters Shop.

Kathy Vivian

Finance Officer

Kathy Vivian is our financial officer and works closely with the CEO to undertake the financial day to day operations of the Canberra Potters. An accomplished finance and business specialist Kathy focuses on continuous improvement and the ability to develop and implement policies and processes to enhance productivity and ensure legislative compliance.