The Armidale Pottery Club’s annual exhibition and sale is being held on Saturday, December 10, from 8am until 5pm. Club Spokesperson Carl Merten said that some of the best works produced during the year will be showcased, alongside some especially collectable pieces.
“We will have some large pots by one of Australia’s pre-eminent potters Cameron Williams on display, with some being for sale on the day,” Mr Merten said.
“This is an opportunity to see the quality and diversity of pottery hand-crafted by the Armidale Pottery Club,” he said.
“It also provides a chance to find gifts that are truly unique, locally made and affordable.”
There will be pottery for every occasion: Christmas gifts and indoor/outdoor collector’s items, including vases, dishes, bowls, mugs, teapots, pots and sculptured pieces.
The Armidale Pottery Club boasts a unique level of resources for a regionally-based group. It has a large kiln, which reduces costs, as a number of works can be fired at the same time. New members are able to pot with and learn from people who have been practicing pottery for decades, such as Rhonda Stachiw, who has been named a Life Member of the Club. Many long term members like Beth Ley have their specialities.
“Pottery is a rewarding, creative outlet for everyone, male or female, young or old. It is therapeutically relaxing,” she said.
The exhibition and sale will be held in the home of the Armidale Pottery Club; an unusual out-building on the Beardy Street (rear) side of the Armidale Aquatic Centre. It can be accessed from the Aquatic Centre Car Park, off Dumaresq Street or via the pedestrian suspension bridge from Beardy Street.
Proceeds of the exhibition and sale help the club to buy equipment and gas for its kiln.
Armidale Pottery Club members consider themselves fortunate to have the equipment and venue they have. “There are few independent pottery clubs in NSW with the equipment that we have,” Mrs Stachiw said.
The club will offer classes with Cameron Williams in 2012. They will cater for beginner and experienced potters. People will be able to put their names down to take advantage of this opportunity during the pre-Christmas exhibition and sale.
Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Armidale Pottery Club can also express their interest on Saturday. Alternatively, they can contact Beth Ley on: 6772 5358 or Rhonda Stachiw on: 6772 3236 (AH).
Story: Gary Fry
