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Simon Ward Pop-Up Exhibition

Simon Ward Pop-Up Exhibition

Simon Ward Pop-Up Exhibition

where

Canberra Potters
Gallery

DATES

23 to 25 January 2024 - 3 days only!

Closing/Farewell Drinks: 6pm, Thurs 25 January 2024

TIME

10.00am–4.00pm

Simon Ward (Scotland) has been artist-in-residence at Canberra Potters from October 2023 to January 2024. This 3-day exhibition displayed the works Simon made on-site over the three months he was here, and provided an opportunity for friends, students and members to bid him farewell and safe travels! Works were for sale on a “cash & carry” basis (i.e. could be taken immediately after purchase).

Closing/farewell: 6pm Thursday 25 January.

About: Simon Ward is a Ceramic Artist whose work focuses on the throw away, damaged and rejected ceramic artefact. Blue and white willow pattern, old tiles, fragments of previously loved ornament, commonly create a backdrop or scenery for his unexpected compositions. His curiosity about history, culture and humour often assist in elevating ordinary things to unexpected levels of visual language. Birds, fish and other creatures are often combined in surprising compositions, acting as a catalyst for the next big idea.

Below: works in progress by Simon Ward

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Address

1 Aspinall Street Watson
Canberra Australia.

Phone

General Enquiries
02 6241 1670
Class Enquiries
02 6241 7800

The Bald Archy Prize 2024

The Bald Archy Prize 2024

The Bald Archy Prize

 

where

Watson Arts Centre, Canberra Potters
Gallery

DATES

2 February to 17 March 2024

TIME

Tuesday to Saturday
10.00am–4.00pm
Sunday
11:00am–3:00pm

Admission

$8 entry

$6 concession

(CARD ONLY) 

Australia’s premier satirical art prize, the Bald Archy Prize, is back for 2024. Celebrating the lighter side of art and the larrikin Australian spirit, we are looking forward to a host of portraits that will make you think, make you talk and most of all make you laugh.

Created in 1994 as a spoof of that more serious competition, the Bald Archy Prize provides artists of all styles and standards with a genuine opportunity to create portrait paintings of humour, dark satire, light comedy or caricature. Known internationally as the only art competition in the world to be judged by a sulphur-crested cockatoo named Maude, the satirical side of this event encapsulates the irreverent, larrikin Australian spirit in a way that appeals to people from all walks of life.

After the passing of Peter Batey in 2019, the administration of the Bald Archy Prize was handed over to the Museum of the Riverina, Wagga Wagga. Returning for its 28th year in 2024, the Bald Archy Prize is again calling for artworks to carry on the fine tradition of having a laugh while enjoying art.

Announcement of Winner

The winner of the $10,000 prize for the 2024 Bald Archy Prize has been announced at the Canberra Potters Watson Art Centre in Canberra.

The Prize has been awarded to artist Judy Nadin, for her work Flippin’ Kerfection (below), a satirical caricature depicting Australian professional soccer player Sam Kerr OAM’s iconic celebratory backflip in exaggerated action.

“I’m over the moon to have won the 2024 Bald Archy Prize and thrilled the Museum of the Riverina has kept Peter Batey’s legacy alive,” said winner Judy Nadin. “I painted the Aussie legend, that is the Matildas’ captain Sam Kerr, because like most of Australia I rode the Matildas wave during the 2023 World Cup. The joy and unity that our country felt, I wanted to capture that important moment in time for my entry. I painted Sam doing her trademark back flip, because the entire country was doing backflips after that quarter final match. Lastly, I’d like to thank Maude the Cockatoo (Bald Archy Prize judge), she’s obviously a Sam Kerr fan.”

History

Judged by Professor Maude Cockatoo, the world’s premier avian art critic, the Bald Archy prize gives a genuine opportunity to artists of all styles and standards to create portrait paintings of humour, dark satire, light comedy or caricature. In its’ first year the prize struck a chord with the public and a nerve with the arts establishment.

“It was meant to amuse – apparently a problem with people who believe audible laughter shouldn’t be permitted in an art gallery, let alone unsolicited conversation with a complete stranger”
- Peter Batey OAM, 2015

While the Coolac Festival of Fun was retired after 12 years, due to public demand the Bald Archy Prize lives on. It is now internationally known and has been exhibited across Australia. Winning subjects have included Kerry Packer, Shane Warne, John Howard, Pauline Hanson and myriad other Australian icons.

The Judging

The Bald Archy Prize is currently the only art competition in the world judged by a sulphur crested cockatoo.

With an online PhD from the Marilyn Munro University of Little Rock, Professor Maude Cockatoo is the most qualified art critic, avian or otherwise, in Australia (according to Maude). As Coolac’s Visual Arts Laureate, Maude has been the sole judge of the Bald Archy Prize from its inception at the 1994 Coolac Festival of Fun.

Maude’s number one rule for a prize-winner is that it must be funny. Her idea of humour, according to a 2015 interview includes, “wit, slapstick, satire, vulgarity, farce, black comedy, irreverence and everything else that falls between high and low comedy”. On the other hand, Maude loathes ‘hate portraiture’, or ‘soap box art’ as she calls it.

“It takes 11 galahs to judge the Archibald but only one cockatoo to judge the Bald Archy,”
- Peter Batey OAM, 2016 

A national touring exhibition presented by the Museum of the Riverina.

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Address

1 Aspinall Street Watson
Canberra Australia.

Phone

General Enquiries
02 6241 1670
Class Enquiries
02 6241 7800

Surfacing by Moraig McKenna

Surfacing by Moraig McKenna

Surfacing by Moraig McKenna

where

Canberra Potters
Gallery

DATES

21 March to 21 April 2024

Opening: 6pm, Thurs 21 March 2024

Open Hours

Tues to Sat: 10am–4pm
Sun: 11am–3pm
 
Closed Mondays/Public Holidays 

Artist Talk

2pm Saturday 13 April in the Canberra Potters Gallery

Surfacing.

What’s on the surface is a manifestation of what lies within. Like human skin or a landscape; surfaces map experience and the passage of time. The surface tells the story of an object through its marks and scars.

The surface of my work is marked and textured, layered with slip and glaze, salt and ash. Through the process of making and firing some layers are revealed and some are obscured. These surfaces tell of my experience working with clay, my response to the material and of the ceramic traditions that influence and inform my work.

The mark of my hand is evident in this work. For me these marks are a connection between my hand as the maker and the hand of the imagined user.

- Moraig McKenna, 2024

Surfacing is a solo exhibition by Gundaroo artist Moraig McKenna. 

Moraig has been working with clay for over 30 years and for the majority of that time her focus has been on wood fired pottery in long firing Anagama style kilns and wood fired salt kilns.

In 2001 she received a Master of Arts by research as part of which she developed a porcelain clay body specifically for wood firing Research into porcelain in wood and salt firing continues to be a rich and rewarding part of her practice.

Moraig has travelled extensively internationally, speaking at conferences, conducting workshops and exhibiting most recently in China but also in Singapore, the United States, and Korea.

Her work is held international and national private and public collections including the Canberra Museum and Gallery.

Please note that this exhibition will be closed 29 March to 1 April over the Easter Long Weekend.

 Photographs by David Paterson.

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Address

1 Aspinall Street Watson
Canberra Australia.

Phone

General Enquiries
02 6241 1670
Class Enquiries
02 6241 7800

2024 Student | Teacher Exhibition

2024 Student | Teacher Exhibition

2024 Student | Teacher Exhibition

where

Canberra Potters
Gallery

DATES

Delivery of Entries: Tues 28 May - Sun 2 June.

Opening & Awards Ceremony: 6pm Thurs 6 June

Exhibition Open: Thurs 6 June to Sun 7 July

TIME

Tuesday to Saturday
10.00am–4.00pm
Sunday
11:00am–3:00pm

Award Winners

See the 2023 Award Winners now!

Important Dates:

10am-3:30pm Tues 28 May to Sat 1 June, or 11am-2:30pm Sun 2 June

Entry forms due, and labelled entries to be delivered to Canberra Potters

6pm Thurs 6 June

Awards Ceremony & Exhibition Opening. All Welcome!

6 June to 7 July

Exhibition open 10-4pm Tues-Sat and 11-3pm Sun. Closed Mondays.

3-4pm Sun 7 July, or 10-4pm Mon 8 July

Collection of unsold exhibits

About:

Canberra Potters’ annual Student | Teacher Exhibition is an opportunity to celebrate the skills and creativity of the many students who attend classes at Canberra Potters. Designed to give students a welcoming environment to publicly display their work, participation is open to all students – adults and children – who have attended classes at Canberra Potters in the previous 12 months. Participation is free of charge.

Classes offered at Canberra Potters range from those suitable for beginners to experienced potters, and cover techniques such as handbuilding, wheelthrowing, decorating techniques, glazing and firing processes. Our strong, experienced team of teachers is invaluable in guiding students in their exploration of clay and creativity and we are fortunate to have a broad spectrum of teachers who are all excellent potters in their own right. Teachers’ work is exhibited alongside the student work. 

Award Details

Please note only student exhibits are considered for awards. Exhibits will be considered for all eligible awards.

Best Overall

Prize: $150 Cash Prize, sponsored by Chris Harford Tableware.

This prize is awarded to the overall best work in the exhibition.

Best Handbuilt 

Prize: $50 Canberra Potters Gift Voucher. Can be used to purchase clay, tools, firing or artist works through the Canberra Potters Shop or Gallery. Sponsored by Canberra Potters.

This prize is awarded to the best handbuilt entry.

Best Wheelthrown 

Prize: $50 Canberra Potters Gift Voucher. Can be used to purchase clay, tools, firing or artist works through the Canberra Potters Shop or Gallery. Sponsored by Canberra Potters.

This prize is awarded to the best wheelthrown entry.

Best Surface/Decoration 

Prize: $50 Canberra Potters Gift Voucher. Can be used to purchase clay, tools, firing or artist works through the Canberra Potters Shop or Gallery. Sponsored by Canberra Potters.

This prize is awarded to the entry with the most intriguing, engaging, technically proficient or unusual surface.

Best Children’s Entry, 12 & Over

Prize: $50 Canberra Potters Gift Voucher. Can be used to purchase clay, tools, firing or artist works through the Canberra Potters Shop or Gallery. Sponsored by Canberra Potters.

This prize is awarded to the best entry from a child aged 12 or older.

Best Children’s Entry, Under 12

Prize: $50 Canberra Potters Gift Voucher. Can be used to purchase clay, tools, firing or artist works through the Canberra Potters Shop or Gallery. Sponsored by Canberra Potters.

This prize is awarded to the best entry from a child aged under 12.

Encouragement Award

Prize: $50 Canberra Potters Gift Voucher. Can be used to purchase clay, tools, firing or artist works through the Canberra Potters Shop or Gallery. Sponsored by Canberra Potters.

This prize is awarded to the entry with the most promise. Keep working at it!

People’s Choice Award

Prize: $50 Canberra Potters Gift Voucher. Can be used to purchase clay, tools, firing or artist works through the Canberra Potters Shop or Gallery. Sponsored by Canberra Potters.

This prize is awarded at the conclusion of the exhibition to the entry with the most public votes. All visitors are welcome to cast one vote! Remember though, only student work is eligible!

Conditions of Entry

    1. All entries submitted must be the original work of the exhibitor, have been completed in the 12 months preceding the exhibition, and must not have been exhibited in a previous Canberra Potters Student | Teacher Exhibition. Entrants must have completed a short course or term class at Canberra Potters in the preceding 12 months.
    2. Up to two entries may be submitted. Any group entry must be priced as a group, i.e. the components of the group may not be for individual sale.
    3. Entries are to be delivered to and collected from Canberra Potters Gallery, Aspinall Street, Watson on the days and times specified above. No late entries will be accepted.
    4. Teachers and students may have their work for sale if they wish, but this is not a requirement. If you want to sell your work and are unsure about pricing, your teacher may be able to offer some guidance.
    5. A commission of 30% of the retail price will be retained by Canberra Potters for all exhibits sold.
    6. Exhibitors who are registered for GST must include GST in their retail prices.
    7. All exhibits MUST be identified with a small removable sticky label showing: your identifying code (e.g. the first four letters of your surname, or your surname if it’s short) with the item number (1 or 2, as listed on the entry form), the item title and price. Your price should include the 30% commission that the Canberra Potters will retain if an item is sold. Group entries should have every item in the series labelled e.g. 1.2, 1.2, 1.3. More details in the entry form.
    8. Proceeds from sales will be paid to the artist in a single payment (less commission) as soon as practicable after the close of the exhibition.
    9. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence or discussion will be entered into regarding the decision.
    10. All selected entries will remain on display for the duration of the exhibition.
    11. Exhibitors license Canberra Potters to photograph and film exhibits and use information supplied on the entry form for use in publicity material about the exhibition, future exhibitions, classes, Canberra Potters and Watson Arts Centre.
    12. Whilst every possible care will be taken with entries, no liability will be accepted by Canberra Potters for loss or damage to entries. Participants who wish to insure their work should make their own arrangements.
    13. Canberra Potters reserves the right to exclude work from the exhibition if the work is deemed unsuitable or for gallery display space constraints.
    14. If you have any questions about the exhibition, please ask your teacher or email the gallery manager at [email protected]

 Image: Michelle Ho, Barbie (Q), 2023 Student | Teacher Exhibition, Best Overall Winner

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Address

1 Aspinall Street Watson
Canberra Australia.

Phone

General Enquiries
02 6241 1670
Class Enquiries
02 6241 7800

Canberra Potters 2023 Christmas Fair

Canberra Potters 2023 Christmas Fair

Canberra Potters 2023 Christmas Fair

where

Canberra Potters
Gallery

DATES

 8 to 17 December 2023

TIME

10.00am–4.00pm daily

Looking for unique Christmas gifts? Look no further than the Watson Arts Centre, where local potters and ceramicists showcase a curated selection of ceramic art and pottery at the Canberra Potters Christmas Fair.

Discover the perfect gift at the perfect price while supporting local artisans. Whether you’re shopping at the fair or exploring our shop, you’ll find a wide array of handcrafted treasures that are both meaningful and locally made. Unlike the bustling shopping centers, our premises offers plenty of free parking, making your shopping experience hassle-free and enjoyable.

So, this Christmas, skip the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary by choosing gifts that showcase the craftsmanship and creativity of our local makers. Visit us at the Canberra Potters Christmas Fair, where the spirit of the season meets the artistry of pottery, and where you’re sure to find gifts as unique as the people you’re shopping for.

Participating Stallholders:

Anna Jule Pottery | Bear Inu Ceramics | Blackburn Studio | Braidwood Clayworks | Colette Steindl Ceramics | Everything Flows Studio | Gingko Cottage | ImPAWfect Creations | JK Ceramics | Josephine Townsend Ceramics | Muddy Ducks Clay | P for Pottery (P4P) | Pottermade | Robyn Booth Ceramics | Sandie Johnston Ceramics | Tess Neill Ceramics | We Are Made | Woodbine Cottage Pottery

Free entry. Open from 10am-4pm daily from Friday 8 December to Sunday 17 December.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

We produce a monthly newsletter that has information unavailable on this website. Subscribe free of charge.

Address

1 Aspinall Street Watson
Canberra Australia.

Phone

General Enquiries
02 6241 1670
Class Enquiries
02 6241 7800