POP in to peruse potters at work during the popular Australian Ceramics Open Studios event taking place over the weekend of 11 and 12 November 2023.

A nationwide event, creatives on the Mid North Coast are keenly welcoming visitors into their workspaces as they pursue their art.

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Celebrating clay, community and creativity, this year’s event coincides with the Bellingen Shire Arts Trail.

“Last year, the ceramicists who participated in our area welcomed hundreds of visitors,” Bellingen potter Clare Danby told News Of The Area.

“We love the energy that visitors bring on the Open Studios weekend.

“It’s a great opportunity for those who are intrigued, as well as enthusiastic clay converts, to experience a great range of making and decorating techniques in action, in our local area.

“It also provides the environment to ask questions and find the perfect gift.”

In Clare’s carport studio, there are pots for sale and wheel throwing demonstrations at 10am on both days.

Clare invites guests to drop in for a chat and “look at our pots from around the world and enjoy a cup of tea on the verandah”.

Susan Romyn, who lives and works in Emerald Beach, will also be opening her studio.

Her work is based in whimsy and a fascination with form and sculptural narratives.

Described as a “lovely quirky space” her Studio and Gallery will show both sculptural and functional work, with items for sale.

Bellingen’s Reanne Brewin has been a potter for two decades.

“I have a beautiful studio here in Bellingen where I teach and create my own sculptural and functional pottery.

“During the weekend my students’ work will be showcased in their annual exhibition and my pots will be for sale.”

For the two days of Open Studios, Woolgoolga’s Allan’s Art offers demonstrations on the hour, and is showing a large variety of stoneware and raku pottery made using coils, slabs, wheel and extruder.

Tea and coffee is available or chat with Allan about pottery on display, how it’s made, or just have a look at the succulents and ceramics in the garden.

Based in Coffs Harbour, Luke Ford told NOTA, “Please feel welcome to visit my ceramics studio, where I offer classes and create both sculptural and functional ceramics.

“Visitors can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while they explore the pottery available for purchase, observe works in progress, or simply watch and chat while I work on the latest project.”

Jane Northway is an eclectic potter drawing from the disciplines of ceramic art, based in Bellingen.

After completing her qualifications in ceramics, she has become a practicing studio potter and has started teaching intimate boutique wheel-throwing classes.

Some students will be at Jane’s studio during the weekend and will be pleased to share the pottery experience.

More information on each of the participants and where their studios are is available on
www.australianceramicscommunity.com/ceramics-news/australian-ceramics-open-studios-11-12-november-2023/.

By Andrea FERRARI