Fired Up! 2026

Saturday 15 August 3pm – 8pm

Our winter festival celebrating Canberra’s vibrant ceramics community returns.

Rug up, bring your friends and family and immerse yourself in the world of ceramic making, creativity and community as Canberra Potters transforms into a bustling mini festival.

Watch live pottery making and firing demonstrations by exceptional Canberra region artists and get your hands in clay with ‘have a go’ wheel throwing and handbuilding activities for kids and adults. Peruse the curated ceramic artist markets in the Canberra Potters Gallery and have a chat with our resident artists as they open their studios to the public.

Enjoy delicious food, drinks and live entertainment in the food precinct, including our famous Soup Bowl & Tumbler Fundraiser and a wine bar collaboration with our cultural partners Lerida Estate.

End the evening experiencing the spectacular opening of our woodfired Petal Kiln.

With limited parking available onsite and in the surrounding streets, we’ve organised parking at Old Station Well Dr at EPIC and a free shuttle bus looping between the tram stop at Phillip Ave, EPIC, and Canberra Potters all afternoon.

Festival entry $5 per person or $15 for families of 3+. Some ‘have a go’ activities bookable with small fee.

See the link below for full program details and to book your ‘have a go’ activities.

Clay Conversations: Paul Davis and Jacqueline Clayton

1-2PM SATURDAY 18 JULY 2026

Join us on the last weekend of [Un]common Ground for a unique conversation as internationally recognised ceramic artists Paul Davis and Jacqueline Clayton explore their individual practices, their collaborations, their deep engagement with materials, and their reflections on their first exhibition together. 

Against the stunning setting of their exhibition [Un]common Ground, hear how Paul and Jacquie have successfully navigated five decades of ceramic practice across Australia and Japan, participated in national and international exhibitions, maintained independent practices, and collaborated with leading restaurateurs on bespoke tableware. 

This special Clay Conversation with exhibiting artists and current Canberra Potters Artists-in-Residence will be facilitated by artist, Japanese Tea Master and Board President Prof. Veronica Taylor. 


Free. Booking required.

Exhibition dates: [Un]common Ground, 19 June to 19 July 2026

Welcoming Paul Davis and Jacqueline Clayton

We are delighted to welcome internationally recognised ceramic artists Paul Davis and Jacqueline Clayton to Canberra Potters as exhibiting artists and Artists-in-Residence.

Paul and Jacqueline bring together decades of ceramic knowledge, international experience and a shared commitment to material exploration, studio practice and making. Despite working alongside each other at their Rutherglen property and collaborating on commissions, Paul and Jacqueline have rarely exhibited together. While both artists share histories of ceramic training in Japan and Australia, their individual practices are shaped by different approaches, processes and creative imperatives — forming an apt point of departure for their exhibition [Un]common Ground.

During their residency as well as producing new work for their exhibition [Un]common Ground at Canberra Potters Gallery from 19 June to 19 July, they will lead the masterclass Adaptive Studio Practice: Creating in a Changing Environment, present an artist talk as part of Clay Conversations, and continue the research and development of their individual projects.

Exhibition Dates

[Un]common Ground
19 June to 19 July 2026

Preview evening: Thursday 18 June, 6–8pm

Clay Conversation: Saturday 18 July, 1-2pm (see Events page to book)

Image: Paul Davis, bowl, photo by Greg Piper

Bling Bling Exhibition

Bling Bling embraces the aesthetic, excessive and sometimes derided aspects of bling, celebrating spectacle while inviting viewers to consider the deeper cultural, personal and artistic meanings that underpin the works.

Bling is both sparkle and contradiction. This exhibition explores the duality of adornment and cultural commentary through contemporary ceramic art.

Liz Crowe works with lustres, copper wire, shiny glazes and engobes to explore her love of colour and texture, with touch and the tactile central to her hand-built and wheel-thrown vessels and wall pieces.

Lee Nelms walks the tightrope between functional and sculptural, with her colourful and playful forms becoming containers for memory, humour and vulnerability.

Loosely inspired by a mid-century aesthetic, Jacqui Keogh leans into quirkier forms finished with heavy metallic glazes and lustres applied to carved surfaces in repetitive and block patterns that hold the past and the present.

Crowe, Nelms and Keogh met at Old Saint Luke’s Studio in Gundaroo, where a shared commitment to clay sparked an enduring creative friendship — realised here in their first collaborative exhibition.

Exhibition Dates
15 May to 14 June 2026

Gallery Hours
Tuesday to Friday: 10am–4pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am–2pm
Closed Monday

Location
Canberra Potters Gallery
Watson Arts Centre
1 Aspinall Street, Watson ACT

Entry
Free

Image: Bling Bling exhibition image 2026, photographer Anne Stroud

2026 Annual General Meeting

Canberra Potters members are warmly invited to join us on Thursday, 14 May from 5.30pm–6.30pm for our 2026 Annual General Meeting in the Glaze Room at Canberra Potters.

This is your opportunity to hear about Canberra Potters’ achievements in 2025, to review reports and proposals, to discuss the 2026 – 2032 Canberra Potters Strategic Plan and to vote on Board member nominations. 

The AGM is critical for our organisation’s operations and governance with our Constitution requiring at least 5% of members to be present. With a little over 700 current members, this means we need at least 35 members attending. We need your help to review our progress and approve proposals.

Visit the Governance page on our website to access AGM documents ahead of the meeting.

  • 2026 AGM Agenda
  • 2026 AGM Member Proxy Form
  • 2026 Board & President Nomination Form
  • 2025 Annual Report
  • Strategic Plan 2026 – 2032

All members wishing to attend and vote at the AGM must be financial members. If you are unsure whether your membership is up to date check before the day, or if you are not listed on the membership list at AGM reception, you will be able to renew your membership on the night.

Following the AGM, members are warmly invited to join us for drinks and appetisers from 6.30pm at the opening of Bling Bling, featuring work by artist members Lee Nelms, Jacqui Keogh and Liz Crowe at the Watson Arts Centre Gallery.

MEETING DETAILS

Date: Thursday 14 May 2026, 5.30pm–6.30pm

Location: Canberra Potters, Glaze Room


New Exhibitions Open This Week

Two compelling exhibitions will open this week at Canberra Potters Gallery, offering visitors a rich exploration of Australian ceramics – from historic works to contemporary material experimentation.

‘Collected Works’ presents a curated selection of 60 pieces from the Australian Pottery Collection at Bemboka, drawn from a significant archive of more than 4,500 works. Developed in partnership with collectors and gallerists David Rofe and the late Judith Pearce, dedicated champions of Australian ceramics since the 1970s, the exhibition showcases the breadth and evolution of the field.

Spanning the 1950s through to 2025, Collected Works features pieces by many of Australia’s most celebrated and influential potters. Arranged by decade, the exhibition highlights the creativity, technical mastery and enduring influence of artists, educators and mentors who have shaped Australian ceramics. A selection of works will be available for purchase alongside pieces from Bemboka’s permanent collection.

In contrast, ‘Gathered Time’ by Lisa Stevenson, Canberra Potters’ 2026 Emerging Artist Support Scheme (EASS) recipient and artist-in-residence, offers a more experimental and conceptual approach.

Rather than a conventional exhibition, Gathered Time unfolds as a field of inquiry. Through woven ceramics, bioplastics and sculptural forms, Stevenson explores material transformation and narratives of place. Drawing on traditional basketry techniques, she creates woven structures that are kiln-fired into fragile ceramic objects. The resulting works evoke a sense of uncertainty and impermanence, reflecting a world in constant flux.

Opening Preview
Thursday 26 March, 6-8pm. All welcome.

Exhibition Dates
27 March to 26 April 2026

Gallery Hours
Tuesday to Friday: 10am-4pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am-2pm

Location
Canberra Potters Gallery
Watson Arts Centre
1 Aspinall Street, Watson ACT

Entry
Free

Image: Vessel by John Dermer, 2020, Australian Pottery Collection, Bemboka

Lisa Stevenson: EASS Artist in Residence

Canberra Potters is pleased to welcome Lisa Stevenson, our current Artist-in-Residence and recipient of the ANU Emerging Artist Support Scheme (EASS) Award. Lisa is an emerging multidisciplinary artist with a passion for working with natural materials. Creating dynamic sculptural forms using basketry techniques, she explores the materiality and potential of natural fibres to produce biomorphic forms. More information about Lisa’s residency can be found here

Save the date!

Lisa will present the outcomes of her EASS residency investigation into woven ceramics, material experimentation, and narratives of place at the Canberra Potters Gallery. More details to follow.

Gathered Time
An exhibition of ceramics and sculptures by ANU graduate Lisa Stevenson
27 March to 26 April 2026
Preview evening: 26 March, 6–8pm

Term 2 Classes now open!

Whether you’re curious about clay for the first time or ready to deepen your practice, our Term 2 classes offer space to learn, make and grow. With classes going live in one week, now is a great time to think about which class might be right for you. We welcome enthusiastic beginners through to experienced makers, with classes for kids and adults across weekdays, weekends and evenings. Our programs are designed to support every stage of the ceramic journey.

Key Dates

Kids + Teens and Introductory classes released 8am Wednesday 11 March

Foundation and Continuing classes released 8am Thursday 12 March

Classes can be booked online here

Term 2 classes start the week beginning 20 April 2026.

Which Adult class is suitable for me?

BEGINNER

Introduction to Clay

Perfect for those starting out or returning to pottery after time away. This class introduces the essential ceramic skills, including handbuilding, wheel throwing and glazing. It’s a hands-on environment where you can explore the many possibilities of clay and build confidence in a supportive and fun environment.

Our Continuing Beginners Pottery course is designed for those who have completed an Introduction to Clay class and are eager to develop their skills further. This course offers a nurturing environment where you can revisit the techniques you’ve learned, build confidence, and explore new creative possibilities with the ongoing support of an experienced pottery teacher.

Continuing Clay with Additional Support

Join our inclusive Continuing Clay classes to refine your skills in hand building and wheel throwing at your own pace. With experienced teachers and additional support for participants with disabilities, these classes provide a safe and welcoming environment for all. These classes are suitable for beginners through to intermediate and advanced.

INTERMEDIATE

Designed for those with some prior clay experience or who have completed Introduction to Clay. Foundations classes focus on developing specific skills and techniques, with options including wheelthrowing, handbuilding, sculpture and other specialist areas. A great next step for building consistency and refining your practice.

Continuing Clay

Our most self-directed classes, Continuing Clay is for those ready to work more independently while receiving expert guidance from our experienced teachers. These classes support personal projects, skill development and creative exploration. Some classes also offer supported teaching for people with disabilities.

Kids, Tweens and Teens Classes

Our youth classes provide a welcoming space to imagine, experiment and create. Each weekly session encourages creativity, confidence and hands-on learning, supporting growth both in and beyond the studio.

Kids Clay Class for ages 6+ 

Explore handbuilding and wheelthrowing.

Homeschool Clay Class for ages 6+ 

Explore handbuilding and wheel throwing.

Quirky Critters for ages 6-12

Explore the world of clay sculpture, creating a menagerie of quirky and character-filled critters. Students will learn a range of handbuilding techniques and surface decoration methods.

Kids Wheel Class for ages 10+

Beginners will master the basics, while returning students can refine their skills and create a range of unique pieces for glazing.

Pathways Class for ages 14-18

Ideal for young artists who already have some experience in ceramics, have a strong interest in visual arts, or are studying art at school with a passion for ceramics. Participants will explore wheelthrowing, handbuilding, glazing, and personal projects while learning to critique and collaborate. It’s perfect for those considering future studies in the arts, developing an art portfolio, or simply looking to expand their creative horizons while connecting with others who share their interests.

Many of our classes are in high demand. This means that our website can get overloaded at peak times. Thankyou in advance for your patience. If you miss out on a class, consider joining the waitlist in the event of a cancellation.

Five new Studio Artists

Canberra Potters is delighted to welcome five new artists to our studio community. AC Parnell, Isabel Chen, Sarah Brown, Lia Tajcnar and Leah Jackson join Everything Flows Studio as current studio artists, bringing fresh perspectives, diverse practices and creative energy to our ceramics hub. Discover more about the artists and their work here.

Canberra Potters’ four purpose-built studios provide affordable, professional space for emerging and established ceramic artists to develop their practice. Studios are open by prior arrangement with each artist and during dedicated open studio events.

Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media (details in the page footer) to stay informed about upcoming open studio opportunities.

Cover Image: Lia Tajcnar

We’re hiring!

Canberra Potters Society is pleased to announce that we’re hiring a new role – Marketing and Communications Manager. We’re looking for a passionate and experienced professional to join our team at the Watson Arts Centre.

This pivotal position will play a key role in promoting our dynamic programs, exhibitions, classes and community initiatives, helping to tell our story and share what we offer to both local and national audiences. Working closely with our CEO / Artistic Director and team, the successful candidate will lead the development and delivery of a strategic marketing and communications plan aligned with our 2026–2030 vision.

This flexible, part-time role is ideal for a creative communicator looking to make a meaningful impact in a thriving arts organisation and contribute to the growth of Canberra’s premier ceramics centre.

Applications are now open – be part of shaping the future of Canberra Potters.