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Coastal ClayMakers Inc.
was formed in 2003 when a group of people - about to conclude their ceramic course at Coffs Harbour TAFE (Technical And Further Education) lamented the loss of the many advantages of getting together with other clay enthusiasts for support, shared skill, camaraderie and fun. It was a very enthusiastic group who formed to gauge the need for a network specifically for ceramic artists and potters.
  Their first task was to contact as many potters as possible from the surrounding area as well as past students of TAFE who were included in the first mailout. The group was launched with a very well attended meeting at which Trisha Dean, the then editor of Pottery in Australia (now the Journal of Australian Ceramics) spoke and wished the group every success. Trisha then presented our inaugural workshop "Exploring Glazes." Coastal ClayMakers was off and away! Incorporation soon followed.



Pictured from left: Deborah Grigg-Hawkes, Shirley Stubington, Tricia Dean,(then Editor of the Journal of Australian Ceramics and our first workshop guest presenter)
 - Ann Streckfuss (then President) and Lisa Magri.

 The newly formed committee was aware that although ceramists mostly enjoy their solitary working lives there are times when they need to seek out colleagues, to consult peers and to toss around solutions to tricky problems. Now, monthly meetings with guest presenters and demonstrators answer this need well. Members enjoy the supper chat time to catch up with friends and to spend some time when it's not necessary to apologise for going on and on about pots - that's the reason everyone else is there too!  

Between meetings there is also the monthly newsletter to look forward to with articles, write-ups of presentations, handy hints, news items and photographs of  recent workshops and other events. Many who can't get to meetings regularly give feedback that the newsletter is eagerly anticipated - a great way to break down some of the negatives of isolation and to keep abreast of the activities of the group.

Phil Greed - Head of Ceramics at Coffs Harbour TAFE (Technical And Further Education) was most supportive from the outset and remains so. Our city counterparts have ready access to the expertise of professional potters but in the country this is not so readily available.  Easy access to the superbly equipped TAFE ceramic studio in Coffs Harbour has made the provision of the enthusiastically supported workshops so successful.  

Tossing around ideas at meetings and workshops has given rise to several marketing events. The Annual Members' Exhibitions, exhibitions at regional and public art galleries and sales of work at the Coffs Harbour Food and Wine Festival have all resulted from members' discussions about displaying and marketing our work.  

In this web site you will be able to view the various activities that have come before and planned for the future by our committee. We welcome new members and appreciate your feedback or questions should you wish to send us an email.  


                                            coastalclaymakers@westnet.com.au