History
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, Ann Streckfuss
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.
EMAIL LINK HERE