PURE GOLD… The Parkes Potters Group at one of their pottery sessions, which take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays and every second Saturday. They are at the back (L-R) visitor, Rex Press, Sally Armstrong, Pol Cruz, Ann Olsen, Karen Thompson and Sue Smeaton. In front are Elizabeth Briton, Di O’Brien, Elsie Mahon, Helen Faint, Nola Reeves, and Elsie Mansley. (Photo: Julie Brown)
The art scene in Parkes will come alive next Friday with the opening of the Parkes Potters Exhibition celebrating their 50th anniversary.
The exhibition, from 4th to 19th March at the Coventry Room, will be a joyous occasion as the group had to cancel this annual event two years in a row because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are delighted to be able to have a social function at last where we can celebrate with friends and art lovers,” said President of the Parkes Potters, Elsie Mahon.
She said they were just as excited to have the internationally known and respected ceramic artist from Cowra, Greg Daly, as the guest artist.
Greg specialises in rich glaze effects, and his work is represented in 24 international book publications, in 80 national and international art galleries and museums (including the National Gallery of Australia and the Victoria & Albert Museum, London), and he has won 36 national and international awards and is the author of three books on glazes.
In addition to a few works by Greg, there will be 60 pieces on exhibition created by 15 Parkes potters. “These works include a variety of garden sculptures, plates, vases and more,” said Elsie. Most of the works will be on sale, and the public can vote for their favourite piece over the two weeks of the exhibition.
None of the founding members of the Parkes Potters are left, but there are still some long-serving members of 40 years, while a new generation of younger potters have joined more recently. The exhibition will be open from 10am to 4pm daily.