THERE’S a hidden barn up on the hill behind The Port Stephens Community Arts Centre which houses a well-established pottery group made up of over sixty members.

Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au
Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE

The facilities in the Pottery Barn are first class including several kilns and many wheels available for general use.

There’s also an added bonus of experienced potters are always on hand to help any new members.

With Pottery being such a sought after craft there is a waiting list for the growing number of new members.

Specialised workshops are held periodically allowing interested people to get their hands dirty and create a unique piece.

A selection of the quality pottery produced by the group is displayed for sale in the main gallery.

The Feature Potter until 12 June is Raelene Bates, she told News of the Area “After a lifetime of teaching High School English, History and Ancient History it has been a joy in retirement to explore more tactile and creative pursuits.”

Scrapbooking and pottery have become obsessions and in both cases the process of creation is as rewarding as the finished product.

Raelene finds enjoyment in the process of creating an object “You put clay on the wheel, it gives you a little fight, and you get past it, and there is the object.”

That “little fight,” or the resistance the clay gives back, determines the beauty in the object that you create,” she said.

The symmetry of working on the pottery wheel does not limit the imagination but enhances it.

Raelene also volunteers many hours of her precious time ensuring that the pottery works by her colleagues are displayed beautifully within the Gallery.

Admission to the Gallery is free and you can also visit visit the Garden Café which helps fund this not for profit enterprise.

The cafe will be serving light lunches, coffee and homemade cakes on Saturdays and Sundays between 10.00am and 2:30pm at Cultural Close, off Shoal Bay Road in Nelson Bay.

The gallery is open to the public 10.00am to 4.00pm daily.

By Marian SAMPSON