Housed in a lovingly restored heritage bank building in Bowraville, the space incorporates an art gallery, coffee shop and three studio spaces designed in mudbrick yurts that are currently managed by the effervescent Pippa Tabone.

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One of the regular groups utlising the space is the Mud Warriors, who are preparing to showcase their work at the Artist’s in Action Auction at the Phoenix Gallery on November the 30 at 2.30pm.

“The Mud Warrior Potter’s group is ready to wrestle with mud as they have been invited for the first time to make work and take part,” ceramics teacher Michaela Kloeckner told News Of The Area.

A playful collection of paintings and ceramics created by participants supported by the National Disability Insurance Scheme will go under the hammer at the auction.

The all-male ceramics group meets weekly on a Thursday from 9.30am to 2.30pm at the potter’s yurt, working under the watchful eye of Kloeckner and her assistant Antje Firla.

The space is shared with Shae Aletha, who supports participant Jye McAuliffe on a one-to-one basis, teaching him the potter’s wheel.

The yurt is fully equipped with five potter’s wheels, a slab roller, two electric kilns and every tool and ceramic colour imaginable.

Some participants, like Stephen Goodwin and William (Bill) Sturgeon, have been with the program for many years and have extensive clay experience, while others joined as beginners early in 2024.

“One of the most exciting and challenging experiences as a teacher is to extract the inherent talents of the participants while instilling safe work practices and teaching skills at the same time,” Kloeckner said.

The Phoenix gallery and shop, managed by Alejandra Ramirez, offers a relaxing atmosphere, excellent coffee, delicious cakes and wholesome food.

By Kim SATCHELL