Studio holds first ceramics exhibition

Skilfully shaping clay into creative ceramic artworks or functional kitchenware is no mean feat.

But that's what ceramic artists at King Street Artworks have been doing over the last year and now their work is on display and for sale to the public.

The art studio opened its first ever ceramic art exhibition yesterday.

Co-ordinator Ian Chapman said it was the first time they had an exhibition exclusively dedicated to ceramics at the gallery. The show was put on to acknowledge the support from the TG Macarthy Trust, which has helped fund the ceramics department.

"Last year they gave $15,000 towards the pottery department," said Mr Chapman.

He said it was an asset to King St Artworks. "People don't get a chance to do it at home.

"The work produced here in the pottery department is remarkable."

Audrey Hall said she has been coming to the studio making ceramic art for almost five years.

"It's all I've ever done here.

"I learnt a tremendous amount in the first six months."

Her pieces in the exhibit include characters like Ratty and Mr Badger from the Wind in the Willows book.

She had previously done a series based around Alice in Wonderland. She said she likes to do original pieces and it all comes from her head.

"When I do these things I don't look at other characters or other people's work."

Catherine Scully tried her hand at ceramics for the first time, creating a butterfly mosaic and decorative mirror.

She has done watercolours but said she enjoyed making ceramics. "It's amazing to me."

Gill Johnston came to the studio about a year ago.

She said it's a wonderful place to create ceramics.

"The standard of the tutoring is high."

Ceramics tutor Janet Green is an award winning artist and said the studio attracted a wide range of people.

"Our oldest artist is 84.

"Ceramics is quite a popular option because people can't do it at home, they can do it here."

The exhibition runs till August 31 and all the work is for sale.